Dwight Yorke believes his former Manchester United team-mate Ryan Giggs is "the ultimate legend".

Yorke carved out his own impressive niche in United's history, finishing as the top-scorer in their unprecedented 1999 Treble-winning campaign.

He also went on to help Sir Alex Ferguson's side complete a Premier League hat-trick, the Red Devils' dominance over their rivals at that time emphasised by the 18 and 10-point winning margins.

But those achievements pale into insignificance alongside those of Giggs.

Even with 11 title medals, two European Cups and a host of other trophies in a Red Devils career that now spans over 18 years and 814 appearances, the veteran Welshman is still driving on, eager to enjoy even more success.

And while Yorke regards himself as fortunate to have played with some exceptionally talented men during his own time at the top, he feels Giggs' achievements set him apart from the rest.

"There are legends. There are legends of legends. But Ryan is the ultimate legend," said Yorke.

"He is the example for everyone to follow. I look back and think three Premier League titles. That is fantastic. Ryan has 11. It puts everything into context.

"He is one of the all-time great players. And he has the desire to keep pushing himself the extra yard further than anyone else."

Yorke freely admits it is the kind of dedication that proved beyond him.

"Everybody is different. We can't all be the same. That is why we are individuals," he said.

"Ryan is a special individual. He wants to be seen as the all-time greatest, just like Sir Alex Ferguson.

"He just seems to have learned what it takes to keep consistently performing to the highest level, which is not easy."

In actual fact, finding out what it takes is fairly straightforward. The lessons can be learned just by keeping a close eye on Ferguson.

Doing it is the hard part. It proved beyond Yorke, whose most famous indiscretion involved staying back in the Caribbean to enjoy the mother of all parties after reaching the 2006 World Cup when he should have been boarding a plane - already full and waiting for him - back to the UK.

"Sir Alex Ferguson thinks of the success of Manchester United, nothing else," said Yorke.

"In that sense, he is completely ruthless. That is why he is the greatest manager in the world.

"He is not interested in all the bits and bobs that are going on outside your life. His argument is that when you come in to train Manchester United give you all the best facilities and a phenomenal amount of money.

"The way he sees it, the club look after you, so you should look after it.

"If you don't step out of line you have a future. If you do you are out of the door.

"When you are on the receiving end it can be quite scary. But even though he has made tough decisions against me, my respect for the man remains. That will always be the case."

Although Yorke was only at United for a short time in his 20-year career that also encompassed spells with Aston Villa, Blackburn, Birmingham, Sydney FC and finally Sunderland, it is Old Trafford the mind instantly switches to.

In his recently-released autobiography, Yorke chronicles that superlative Treble season, which for him started late because of a wrangle over his move from Aston Villa.

Yet there was also notoriety too. Setting aside the bitter personal dispute with Katie Price, or Jordan as she was then known, over their son Harvey, it seemed Yorke was living the life any male of his age would desire.

It seemed like every week, a woman was selling her story about an encounter with Yorke. And the coverage was rarely negative.

"David May used to take the Mickey," said Yorke.

"He would shout 'What story have you got for me this weekend?' across the dressing room. That was fine.

"People who know me, know everything I do is full on. When I train it is to the best of my ability. When I go out it is the same.

"I was a single male. What would most people have done in my position?"

And the World Cup party. On reflection, a mistake.

"I learned my lesson," he said. "If I had my time again I would have missed the party and come home. It was one hell of a party though."