According to Yorke, only one player from the current City squad would have made it into Manchester United’s all-conquering 1999 team. He believes that the United team that won the treble in 1999 was superior to the current City side in terms of physicality and player quality.
Yorke stated that the United team of ’99 had better players overall compared to City’s current lineup
Dwight Yorke, a former star player for Manchester United, recently made a bold claim about the current treble-chasing Manchester City team. According to Yorke, only one player from the current City squad would have made it into Manchester United’s all-conquering 1999 team. He believes that the United team that won the treble in 1999 was superior to the current City side in terms of physicality and player quality. Yorke, speaking to reporters, stated that the United team of ’99 had better players overall compared to City’s current lineup. He emphasized the presence of players like Paul Scholes and Roy Keane, who he believes were unparalleled in their positions. Yorke admitted that Kevin De Bruyne, City’s midfield maestro, would have been the only player to make it into Sir Alex Ferguson’s team.
The former star acknowledged Haaland’s incredible goal-scoring record
The former striker also touched upon the topic of Erling Haaland, who has been in sensational form since joining Manchester City. He acknowledged Haaland’s incredible goal-scoring record but maintained that the Norwegian striker would not have displaced him or his striking partner, Andy Cole, in the starting lineup. Yorke praised the combination he shared with Cole and expressed his preference for their partnership over Haaland’s individual brilliance. Yorke further highlighted the strength of the United team’s defence, particularly the imposing figure of Jaap Stam. He believed that Stam would have been more than capable of handling Haaland while also mentioning the exceptional goalkeeping skills of Peter Schmeichel.
According to Yorke, no defender in the world would have relished facing Ryan Giggs at his peak, considering his exceptional skills and the quality of his delivery from the wings. He attributed a significant part of the team’s success to the talent and abilities of players like David Beckham.
Dwight concluded by asserting that while City may be joining United in the history books
Despite Yorke’s claims, he expressed admiration for the current Manchester City team and wished them the best. He acknowledged their potential to achieve a treble and welcomed them to the exclusive club that Manchester United had initially established. Yorke concluded by asserting that while City may be joining United in the history books, United would always be remembered as the first English team to achieve the remarkable feat of winning the treble. Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side finds themselves on the verge of history, with the potential to become the first English team since Manchester United in 1999 to win the treble. Having already secured the Premier League title and the FA Cup in the 2022-23 season, City aims to complete their treble quest by triumphing over Inter in the upcoming Champions League final.
As the debate continues over the relative strengths of Manchester United’s treble-winning team of 1999 and the current Manchester City squad, opinions will vary. However, Dwight Yorke’s perspective sheds light on the fierce pride and loyalty that former players hold for their historic achievements while acknowledging the undeniable talent and success of the present-day contenders.