Teddy Sheringham milked the applause of his new Manchester United fans after two lucky, late goals saved his blushes over a missed penalty in front of the once-adoring Tottenham supporters who re-christened him `Judas' on his return to White Hart Lane yesterday.

Sheringham stepped up to take a 59th minute spot kick after Justin Edinburgh handled, but his shot hit a post with goalkeeper Ian Walker diving the wrong way. Instead of sulking, though, the England striker got his head down and his luck changed when a challenge on Allan Nielsen rebounded kindly for Nicky Butt to put United ahead nine minutes from the end. Within 60 seconds, Tottenham's Swiss defender Ramon Vega turned a David Beckham cross into his own net.

"We got the breaks at just the right time," United manager Alex Ferguson admitted afterwards. "It looked as if we would regret not doing more with all our possession when Teddy missed the penalty. It gave Spurs a lifeline. But Teddy will still take the next penalty we get because it is important when you choose somebody to take one he has the temperament to keep on playing if he misses it.

"That's what Teddy did and thankfully we then got the break for Nicky Butt's goal and then the own goal just afterwards. I'm delighted because I thought we deserved it. The heat was a big factor out there, but I thought we handled it better than Spurs."

Sheringham's relief was apparent after the game. "I was relieved when the goals went in," he said. "I was quite confident when I went up to take the penalty and although I sensed Ian Walker moving on the line, he told me afterwards he went the wrong way.

"It is obvious you are going to get some reaction coming back to your old club. And Vega caught me with quite a whack in the first few minutes. I've got ice-packs on the side of my leg now and I'll have to see how it is tomorrow. But it's still all new to me with United."

Sheringham was last off the field after going to salute the United fans at the end and then he cupped an ear with his hand in response to abuse from Spurs supporters as he marched down the tunnel.

"I didn't think there was anything over the top about the crowd's reaction," said Ferguson. "Teddy said he wanted to join us and probably knew he would get some stick, but he is going to be a very big asset for us."