Teddy Sheringham, part of Man Utd’s treble-winning side in 1999, believes Manchester City are ‘looking good’ to win a treble of their own this season. With the season coming to an end, City are on course to do what only a handful of European teams have done before and win a continental treble. Pep Guardiola’s side are the heavy favourites to win the Premier League title as while Arsenal have gone back ahead of them in the table, City are just two points behind with two games in hand, ahead of a clash against West Ham on Wednesday night. They have also reached the FA Cup final where they will play arch-rivals United, and remain the favourites for the much-coveted Champions League where they will face reigning champions Real Madrid in the semi-finals, with the winner taking on either AC Milan or Inter Milan. City have been near-unstoppable this season and haven’t lost a game in any competition since the start of February, and many believe they will become only the second English side after United to win all three major trophies in the same season.
When asked if he was concerned that City could emulate United’s unique success, Sheringham said: ‘I’m not worried about City winning the treble. This City side are phenomenal. They’re a phenomenal team and they deserve to be up there competing for it. There’s still a long way to go. You’ve still got to get the rub of the green. In the match against Fulham, they were very good again, but they could have come unstuck. I thought Fulham clamped them down and were in the match for the full ninety – they could have taken a point there, but City hung on. It only takes a ricochet here or a moment of genius and a football game can turn. They have to beat Real Madrid in the Champions League. Little things can happen in football and everything changes. Manchester City are there; they’ve given themselves a chance. Obviously, I’m hoping that the treble is one step too far for them, but with every match that goes by that prospect becomes less of a reality. It’s looking good for them at the moment.’
United can of course deny their rivals the treble by beating them to the FA Cup and Sheringham thinks that will give Erik ten Hag’s side even more drive to win the final at Wembley. He added: ‘I think outside interest will ensure that the United players have extra motivation – some of my old teammates will give them that and of course Fergie still has an influence and is very much around the club. I can see him stepping into the dressing room and having a few words with the players. Fergie will not want City to win a treble. It’s going to be a tough ask for Manchester United (to beat City). I would say Man City will be clear favourites, but United have beaten them once already this season – anything can happen.’