John O'Shea has dismissed claims Manchester United will stroll to a Carling Cup final victory today over Tottenham.

"We will be put down as clear favourites but it is going to be a lot tighter than people think," said O'Shea.

"They are the holders and like us, they know what it takes to win it and we know how pleasing it is. I am sure they will want to experience that again."

Although it is three years since United achieved the last of their two triumphs in the competition, they only need to trawl back nine months for their last final victory, that tense never-to-be-forgotten Champions League night in Moscow.

Now, as then, Sir Alex Ferguson will use his pre-match team-talk to implore his players not to waste the opportunity in front of them.

"He always tells us cup finals don't come around too often," revealed O'Shea.

"You never know what happens in your career. It could be your last one so you must make sure you try to win it."