SAYS TREBLE-WINNING

Jose’s brought back

DWIGHT YORKE played a starring role in the Manchester United side which ruled the roost in England and Europe.

Bayern Munich are still haunted by Yorke and Co’s dramatic late victory in the Champions League Final to cap that colossal 1999 Treble year.

Now the United great, who revelled in a legendary striking partnership with Andy Cole, declares the fear factor – as well as the X-factor – is back at the Theatre of Dreams.

And with it, the mouth-watering prospect of another historic era of dominance at home and abroad.

Jose Mourinho, Yorke believes, can further cement that winning mentality on the big stage with United returning to Champions League action against CSKA Moscow on Wednesday night.

In his eyes, the current boss is the closest the club are ever going to get to Sir Alex Ferguson – who oversaw an incredible trophy-laden period between 1986 and 2013.

Mourinho has already scooped three trophies in his debut season at Old Trafford.

And now Yorke, 45, looks ahead to a fabulous future, rubbing his hands at the prospect of the men in red shirts winning the Premier League and Champions League.

Yorke, asked if Mourinho was building a team capable of that ultimate double success, said: “That is what Manchester United are always about.

“There has been underachievement over the last few seasons and Jose has come in and rectified that. It’s all about building hope – and he has done that, too.

“The most important thing is that he has recruited well. You could see as early as pre-season that there was a belief about the squad.

“He seems to have the right balance. The right players in the right areas, all competing for places.

“Things are looking good and there is a fear factor around Old Trafford again when teams visit here.”

Yorke was at his deadly best in the glory days under Sir Alex after signing for £12.6million in August 1998 and now happily applauds his successors flourishing under their Portuguese boss.

He knows Mourinho will not be around long enough to match Fergie’s achievements but insists that while Jose is in the hotseat, he will give it a damn good go in creating his own dynamic dynasty.

Yorke said: “It is hard to break the spell of Sir Alex when you remember what he achieved over those 27 years. I don’t think anyone will come close. Jose probably knows that won’t happen but he will do it his way. He is back in the Champions League with the momentum that brings with it.

“But he knows he will not be judged until he wins the Premier League.

“He has been able to win the title wherever he has been so he wants to keep that going.

“If he doesn’t do it he will feel he has not come close enough to achieving his goals.

“But it will still be up there if he can bring back that winning mentality on those big stages.

“Jose will one day cement his place as the next best thing at this club behind Sir Alex.”

Fellow United legend Ruud van Nistelrooy also believes that under Mourinho, United have set realistic targets in aiming for the Premier League and Champions League double.

Van Nistelrooy, 41, said: “Are they capable of competing in those two competitions?

“Yes, I think they are. They definitely have the squad for it, the width and the quality.

“They look rock solid, have goals up front and creativity. They have a great squad and I have followed them from the day I left, especially this season.

“It was great to see them win trophies last season and this year they have started really well.”