Teddy Sheringham is sunning himself on the sandy beaches of the Arabian Peninsula. At 34 years old, a bit of R&R is vital, and the gold-dipped glamour of Dubai provides the perfect setting for his recovery. With a second Premiership winners’ medal around his neck, he has every reason to feel smug - but something is hanging over the Manchester United goal-getter.
A phone call interrupts his holiday. “Hello Teddy, it’s Steve McClaren,” begins United’s assistant manager. “The manager wants to know what you’re doing - are you going to sign a new deal?”