Sports
2019.04.16 17:17 GMT+8

Manchester United legend Dwight Yorke reflects on 1999 treble glory

Mike Fox

In the quarter-finals of UEFA Champions League, Manchester United will travel to face Barcelona later Tuesday, after their 1-0 home loss in the first leg last week. It has been 20 years since the Red Devils achieved their remarkable treble when they claimed the titles of Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League in 1999. 

CGTN Sports Scene's Mike Fox sat with United legend Dwight Yorke earlier when the Tobagonian striker promoted the International Champions Cup in Shanghai, who recalled that unique memories two decades ago and shared his views about the team's current situation and also looked forward to a new role in his football career.

“I can't believe it's 20 years, it seems like yesterday we were playing football, and here we are coming up to the 20th anniversary — obviously a very historic moment in the history of Manchester United football club. To be part of that, to play alongside the great players within that team, to play for arguably the greatest manager in my opinion, Sir Alex Ferguson, to assemble such a wonderful bunch of players and to go out and achieve what we achieved as a team is remarkable,” the 47-year-old reflected on his club's historic treble two decades ago. 

After coming to the Old Trafford from Aston Villa for £12.6 million (16.5 million U.S. dollars) in August 1998, Yorke was a key player in guiding his club to a unique treble of the Premier League title, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League in his maiden season. He had also formed a legendary partnership with Andy Cole at the club at that time. 

Yorke informed, “In my first season at Manchester United, I came in as a record-signing and I expected to win some title or trophy because as United always do that. But I never imagined that we are going to create history. Fond memories and I am very proud of being part of that.” 

While talking on his former United teammate Ole Gunnar Solskjær and his recent performance as the manager of the Red Devils, Yorke mentioned, “He has done a remarkable job and it's a job a lot of people would have been given credit for. When he was appointed as an interim manager, there were doubts over the merit behind his appointment. But his record at this job has so far been wonderful. I hope that continues for us, but he will certainly look back at his in Manchester United football club whereas a player and of course, playing under Sir Alex Ferguson for so many years, he understands what the club is required. He has got in there, and he has got the players to believe in that.

“I always felt that our squad was better than the majority of the teams in the Premier League and why are we in the position now that we weren't before. But he has certainly gone in there and turned it around. All credit to him. I think he has brought back the excitement, he has brought back the passion, and most importantly, we are winning football matches in the way Manchester United play their game,” he added. 

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