The Peoples Person had the opportunity to catch up with legendary United striker Dwight Yorke this week, courtesy of Esports Bets.
We asked Yorke whether he has a theory as to why United seem to be able to beat, or at least play well against some of the big teams and struggle against the Brentfords of this world.
Why United struggle more against supposedly “weaker” teams
“What I find is usually when you play against the big teams, you don’t need to be up for it,” Yorke said. “You’re up for it. And these players are not experienced enough to understand when the Brentfords of this world are playing United, it’s like a cup final for them. So they’re all in, they got nothing to lose.
“I played in the Premier League for nearly 20 years, [but when I came to United] I was just like, wow, when I played for Villa, these teams didn’t have that kind of energy! Yes, they have the energy, but it’s a different type of energy.
“And so if you’re not up for it, you’re going to get run over. One of the classic things Sir Alex said back in the day was ‘you make sure and match these guys for effort. Football ability-wise, you’re going to just pass them through. But if your mentality is not up for those, you’ll have a long day in the office on the pitch.’
“You can see it. These teams are running and they’re running, and we are not matching them physically. Forget the football aspect, because if football would take over, you would beat them hands down. That’s why you play at United from a football perspective. You’re much better than them. But if your work ethic is not matching them and beyond them, you’re in for a long day.
Does the captain need to demand more of his players?
We asked Dwight whether he believes Bruno Fernandes is the right captain or whether someone like Roy Keane or Steve Bruce is needed, who would rebuke and shout at his teammates if they weren’t giving 100% against those “lesser” teams.
“But he didn’t need to, because we had the experienced players who understand British football and certain pitches that you need to go and really roll your sleeves up to get results,” Yorke explained. “It’s not always going to be a gift-wrapped result for you.
“You’ve got to sometimes earn the right to win football matches, and I don’t think United are. And so, Bruno is the best man, but I don’t think [the likes of] Sesko understand yet, going to Palace and Brentford, you’re going to have to roll your sleeves up.
“It’s not going to be pretty and wonderful football, but you know eventually you will get the better of these teams. So I don’t think it’s the lack of leadership. I just think it’s the lack of understanding of these players.
“It’s not because [some of the younger] guys are lacking in quality, they’re just lacking in the mentality. That’s where we tend to fail with these guys.
“And the manager himself, he doesn’t know, because he hasn’t got that experience himself. So that probably contributes, because some days you just, you’ve got to roll your sleeves up. This is what wins championships and wins games.”
The first part of the interview, in which Yorke compares Rasmus Hojlund and Benjamin Sesko, can be found here.
The third and final part of the discussion, about Kobbie Mainoo’s future, will be coming soon.
Featured image Alex Burstow via Getty Images
The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
Red Billy
Red Billy is the managing editor of The Peoples Person, author of three books and two magazines and totally obsessed with football’s transfer market. Billy first saw United live in 1971, watching George Best, Bobby Charlton and Denis Law, before becoming a League Match ticket book holder from 1975/76 and a writer since 1995. Billy still insists Matteo Darmian and Alex Telles could have made it at United given half a chance.
