Yorke: Van Gaal Is Box Office

Dwight Yorke has described Louis van Gaal as "box office" after the Manchester United manager stole the show during Tuesday’s Player of the Year awards at Old Trafford.

Van Gaal gave a passionate and emotional speech at the close of the evening that explained why the Reds are close to challenging Chelsea for the Barclays Premier League title, before hailing the club’s fans as the "best in the world". It has since become a viral hit on the internet and social media.

The manager also took part in a charity auction that raised funds for the MU Foundation by placing a £10,000 bid to play golf with Yorke, fending off competition from Ryan Giggs in the process. During an exclusive interview to promote this summer’s Legends Are Back match at Old Trafford, Dwight gave his reaction to both events and explained why he’s excited to tee off against van Gaal.

"I thought he was box office," Yorke told ManUtd.com on Wednesday. "I have a good relationship with the manager. Every time he sees me, he has always made me smile and he has always congratulated me on the way I carry myself and that kind of stuff.

"I have a lot of admiration for the gaffer and certainly he didn't disappoint me last night. He really was box office – what we have come to expect from the manager, and I thought it was outstanding."

Quizzed on van Gaal’s auction victory, Dwight continued: "I didn't expect the manager to really want to play golf with me, I have got to say. I expected some other pundit who was in there supporting the Foundation and I was surprised that it went for that much money.

"I thought Giggsy had made a good effort in terms of trying to get me to play in his four-ball, but the manager seemed determined to get me to play with him.

"Maybe he wanted to see how good I can play golf, or he just thought I was kind of kidding. Hopefully I won't disappoint him on the day, I am looking forward to it and I'm sure it will be a great round of golf."

Dwight Yorke was speaking ahead of the 'Legends Are Back' event at Old Trafford on 14 June, when a team of former United players will face Bayern Munich All Stars. For tickets, see ManUtd.com/legendsareback.