10 Underwhelming Man Utd Signings Who Became Cult Heros

5. Teddy Sheringham

It's hard to believe, considering he only hung up his boots just six years ago, but Teddy Sheringham was already 31 years old when he signed for Manchester United in 1997. Once a footballer sprouts a third ring on the bark, suddenly buzzwords such as potential, enthusiasm and energy are replaced by restricted appearances, lack of mobility and retirement. Despite his prolific goal-scoring record at White Hart Lane, Sheringham's arrival in a £3.5 million deal was greeted with the same enthusiasm that was offered to Rickie Lambert upon his unveiling this summer. After all, Sheringham was a perennial loser, having failed to even touch a trophy in his 15 years as a professional. What could Ferguson possibly see in this ageing England international? Sceptics would soon find out. With Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke cementing the first-choice partnership as their own at Old Trafford, Sheringham would have to make do with a role in the wings for much of his time at the club, but that didn't lessen his contribution in any fashion. As if scoring in a winning FA Cup final against Newcastle United wasn't enough, he stepped off the bench to notch the most important goal of his career four days later - scuffling home a last-gasp equaliser in the 1999 Champions League final. In his final season at the club, at the wisened old age of 35, he assumed responsibility for leading the line, and finished as the club's top-scorer as they scooped a third consecutive Premiership. As a result, h was voted Footballer of the Year by both the Football Writers' Association and the Professional Footballers' Association. Not bad for an old timer.