With Zlatan, Man United better equipped to take on EPL heavyweights: Dwight Yorke

Kolkata, July 27 (IANS) Manchester United great Dwight Yorke believes Swedish goal-poacher Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s arrival has equipped the English Premier League (EPL) giants with more fire power to take on other football powerhouses like Chelsea and Manchester City.

“Last couple of seasons we have struggled in that department (strikers). But now with Zlatan and (Anthony) Martial together in the team, I believe they are better equipped to compete against the likes of Chelsea and our city rivals (Manchester City) and of course Leicester City who are the defending champions,” Yorke told reporters here at the launch of a limited edition of Gulf Oil’s--Gulf United Formula GX.

“We are all intrigued with the quality that we have managed to achieve this season. We have got a new manager, some great players and hopefully these players can go out and showcase what Manchester United is all about.”

An “excited” Yorke who featured in 96 games for United feels Jose Mourinho is the right man to coach the present outfit.

“I am pretty excited about the new season, new manager, new players. We have been in a transitional period over the last few years. But I believe we have now got the right manager to lead us,” he remarked.

The 44-year-old also expressed his desire to take up a managerial job and stated it could be in the Indian Super League (ISL) which has already seen many legends of the game.

“Yes, I am looking at this stage of my career to break into management. I do have every intention, be it here in India or back home I want to get into coaching. Hopefully if I start here, I can contribute to the development of football,” stated the former Trinidad and Tobago captain.

Asked if he had any regrets looking back at his international career the 2006 World Cupper said, ”No. I was fortunate enough as a player to have my dream fulfilled. I went onto play for Manchester United for four years and in England I played for around 10 years, I have had reasonable success.”

“I do not have any sort of regret. For me the ultimate thing was representing my country in the World Cup in 2006.”

“Trinidad and Tobago were the smallest island to ever qualify for a WC and to bring the island to notice was something special. When I look back yes, there were things I could have done differently but there’s no doubt that I had a reasonably successful career,” he said.