Arsenal fans used to a sing a song about Teddy Sheringham that mocked the striker's failure to win a trophy in his first season as a Manchester United player.

The frontman had joined the Red Devils from Arsenal's rivals Tottenham Hotspur in 1997 as a replacement for the retired Eric Cantona, but he and his new club were forced to watch on as the Gunners won a Premier League and FA Cup double.

That chant would stop at the end of the following campaign, though, as the English forward played a key role in helping United to claim an unprecedented treble, with a further two Premier League winners' medals following soon after that.

However, despite that success, it was 14 years ago today that Sheringham, who had just turned 35, decided to return on a free transfer to Spurs, for whom he had previously scored 98 goals in 197 appearances.

He made the move back to North London against the wishes of Sir Alex Ferguson, who had wanted the experienced Sheringham to remain a part of his squad at Old Trafford.

"Alex tried to persuade me to stay in the last week. It was a tough decision. He was the first man I spoke to when I had made my decision. I have a lot of respect for the man," he said.

"He was a bit disappointed, but he understood the position. I weighed up every angle and what could happen at Manchester United."

When Sheringham departed Tottenham four years earlier, he had questioned the club's ambition under the regime of chairman Alan Sugar.

Yet, with Daniel Levy now at the helm, he was convinced to put pen to paper on a two-year contract.

"It was a very big decision, especially as Sir Alex wanted me to stay. But Daniel Levy convinced me it's the right move," he added.

"There was a lot to take into consideration but it is good to be back. Now the aim is to win something."

Meanwhile, Spurs manager Glenn Hoddle said: "I am delighted. It is a fresh start for him and a fresh start for the ambitions of this club."

heringham, who was made captain by Hoddle, scored 13 goals in each of the following two campaigns, but he never did fulfil his ambition of winning a trophy with Spurs prior to his release in the summer of 2003.