PORTSMOUTH manager Harry Redknapp has been forced to admit that two of his outstanding performers this season are doubtful for the big home clash with Manchester United on Saturday.

Centre-back Linvoy Primus has not trained since coming off with a thigh injury early in the second half of Monday's 3-1 win over Birmingham.

And Senegal midfielder Amdy Faye is struggling with a calf strain ahead of a fixture that Redknapp describes as "massive".

Redknapp, whose side have moved clear of the Barclaycard Premiership's bottom three with a run of four unbeaten games, said: "Linvoy's hamstring was very tight and we'll have to take a look at him tomorrow. It's the same with Amdy's calf muscle. We are just hoping really."

Redknapp is already wondering how he can fit veteran Teddy Sheringham , pictured above, who won the treble, including the European Cup, with United in 1999 back into his pattern of play after young strikers Aiyegbeni Yakubu and on-loan Lomana LuaLua fired the goals that beat Birmingham and also grabbed a point at Charlton two days earlier.

"I'm in-clined to be more defensive against a team like United who can murder you on the counter-attack," admitted Redknapp.

"I know Teddy would love to play against his old club but there can be no room for sentiment. He will only be out there if I decide he's the man for the job.

"Eyal Berkovic came back to the starting line-up last week and was outstanding for us as a play-maker. Teddy likes to get the ball and hold it and he's been great for us, but I don't want to show my hand at this stage.

"United have never fielded a weakened team any time I have played them and so I'm working on the basis they will have all the big guns back.

"They want to win to get second place in the league and the automatic Champions League place, but we need points to stay up."

Former United defender John Curtis, signed on a free transfer by Pompey from relegation rivals Leicester, and ex-Arsenal reserve Richard Hughes are standing by in case Primus and Faye are ruled out.