Q & A: Dwight Yorke

Speaking exclusively to ManUtd.com from India as part of the club's Trophy Tour, delivered by DHL, Treble-winner Dwight Yorke looks ahead to the Capital One Cup semi-final second leg against Sunderland at Old Trafford...

How important is it for United to reach the final at Wembley?
I think it’s crucial. United are all about winning trophies and the Sunderland game is crucial for us to turn things around.

Sunderland are bringing almost 9,000 fans – will that make a difference?
Not really. It shouldn’t do – not at United with them having home advantage.

As a former Black Cats player, do you think Sunderland fans would prefer to stay up or win a cup?
Stay up.

What will be the key to the second leg?
Us going out, playing the Manchester United way and scoring goals.

How much progress do you feel former Stadium of Light loanee Danny Welbeck has made this term and how much more effective is he in his preferred central attacking role?
He’s made progress playing in various roles – we all did as young players – but his preferred position is centre-forward. He has scored more goals than last season already and that is progress in itself.

You played with Jonny Evans at Sunderland, did you believe he would make it on his return to United?
Yes, Jonny was exceptional when he came to Sunderland. You could see he had star quality to go forward and become a top defender. He is certainly showing that at United now.

How much has he improved since then and in what particular areas?
I think he reads the game a lot better and keeps things much more simple. He would have watched Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand over the years and learned a lot from them.

Do you think he will eventually become an automatic choice as a natural successor to the likes of Rio and Vida?
He definitely will. Rio has had problems with injuries and not played as much but Jonny has always been the perfect foil. He’s been there or thereabouts for the last two seasons and has been outstanding.