And the Old Trafford boss revealed he wants Sheringham to go on playing for the club even longer.

The 34-year-old Sheringham has scored 18 goals so far this season after being on the verge of leaving the club in the summer.

And Ferguson said: "Teddy will be offered another year with us but he's a player who is capable of playing longer than that. But that's the best way to look at it - season by season.

"He's been phenomenal for us and to score 18 goals before the end of January is just marvellous.

"To keep Teddy for another year was the correct thing to do no matter who was here and we would have wanted to do that even if Ruud van Nistelrooy had come.

"I've always said that Teddy brings something different to the party from the rest. He is a particular type of player who can bring a creation to your game in a way that maybe others don't.

"I've always valued him that way. Even when Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke had that great season together I always knew there were moments in the game when Teddy was better than anyone at it.

"He's a fit lad who doesn't carry any weight and who doesn't need speed for his game. He's an economical player who doesn't use his physique like others.

"Teddy started the season well straight a way and he got into an early run that's still going. Every striker works on confidence and his is sky high."