Yorke says Solskjaer has brought back United's passion

Dwight Yorke says Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s knowledge of the club has helped the Norwegian bring back the passion and excitement at Manchester United. The most followed English Premier League club in China will take on league rival Tottenham Hotspur in a preseason International Champions Cup match in Shanghai on July 25.

As one of the leading lights in United's unforgettable 1998-99 treble season, Yorke was in Shanghai on Thursday for a promotional event for the ICC match, alongside fellow former striker Teddy Sheringham, who, of course, played the role of the Spurs ambassador.

"Ole was one of those great players I had the honor to play alongside with,"said Yorke. "I didn't see him being a manager, but in terms of what he has done so far, he's done a great job. He understands the club and has brought back the passion and desire."

Yorke joined the Red Devils from Aston Villa in 1998. The Trinidad and Tobago striker enjoyed a debut campaign to savor, bagging 29 goals to finish top scorer as United swept the honors. When asked to compare Solskjaer, who was named as permanent manager of United on a three-year contract on Thursday, with his much-maligned predecessor Jose Mourinho, Yorke gave credit to the Portuguese.

"We've got to give credit to Jose, who did a fantastic job at the beginning, winning a couple of trophies. He brought some stability back to the club. But unfortunately in the business we are, it's all about results, and when you don't get results at such a big club, sometimes it costs you the job like it did to Jose. But he will always be remembered for what he has done.

"We have a young and exciting manager now, who has been given the opportunity to manage a club he has played for. So he understands the inside and he has undoubtedly done a fantastic job. He has brought back all the excitement and we are winning matches, which is very important."

Yorke visited Shanghai with United in 1999 right after the club won its first-ever treble. The club's last trip to the city was in 2016.

"We are happy to be back and this will surely be a match of high intensity," said Yorke.

Ti Gong

The match is scheduled for 7:30pm at Hongkou Football Stadium, which will be Tottenham's debut in mainland China. This is also Sheringham's first visit to Shanghai.

"It's always a huge game against Manchester United, whether you are playing in North London or North Shanghai," said Sheringham, who scored 124 goals over two spells for Spurs. "I know the fans at the Hongkou Football Stadium are famous for the unique atmosphere they create in the stadium, and we are looking forward to hearing them getting behind the teams."

Sheringham, who also played for United, expects the match to attract more Chinese fans to Tottenham.

"It's always better to 'touch' with fans instead of just getting seen on television. Also, top players will get involved for offseason summer tournaments, which is good for fans," said the former England striker, who also expressed confidence that Spurs will continue their good run in the UEFA Champions League.

"We will take on Manchester City (in the quarterfinals), and everyone thinks that will be tough. But I am very optimistic about it. While I expect Manchester City to win the Premier League, I think Tottenham has the chance to win the Champions League."

This year's ICC will feature 12 clubs, playing a total of 18 matches across Europe, Asia and the United States from July 16 to August 10. The other match to be played on the Chinese mainland is between Inter Milan and Juventus in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, on July 24.