Sheringham: Season lacked momentum

Sheringham was left frustrated loisng to Bayern Munich

Teddy Sheringham believes Manchester United did not progress in Europe because of the lack of competition in the Premiership.

The veteran striker Sheringham said his side's performances dropped because, unlike the Treble year in 1999, they rarely had to perform at their best.

"We can't switch it on and off at will," he said. "The season we won the European Cup, we were in motion the full season.

"We didn't have a chance to put our feet up and have a rest here and there.

We've not had to perform week in week out in the last couple of months

  Teddy Sheringham

"We know we've got to do that to keep the pulse racing and make sure we are on top form when we need to be."

The Premiership champions had little to play for in the latter stages of the domestic season because of their commanding lead in the league and their early demise in the FA Cup against West Ham.

"We've not had to perform week in week out in the last couple of months and I think that showed when we played Bayern in the first leg," Sheringham added.

Ryan Giggs agreed with Sheringham, although he felt the players must also accept their share of the blame.

Giggs not looking for excuses

"I think if you compare it with the time when we did win it, we were playing big games," Giggs said.

"Every game was a big game in the league and the FA Cup. It was different this year, but you can't use that as an excuse.

"When you play for Manchester United you should play your best in every game and we probably didn't in the two legs."

Like Roy Keane, Giggs said losing in the quarter-finals is not sufficient for a club of United's ambitions.

"We will look at it and come back stronger next year. We've got to rebuild. We are a good side and I'm sure we will produce next year," he said.