Yorke and his former girlfriend Jordan

Yorke looked unstoppable following his �12.6m move from Aston Villa in the summer of 1998.

After impressing in the early part of the season, he powered into 1999 with nine goals in six games.

The scoring spree came during United's unbeaten run that laid the foundations for an unprecendented treble.

Yorke finished the campaign with 29 goals, and played his part in the European Cup success against Bayern Munich.

While strike partner Andy Cole was seen as quiet and sometimes sullen, Yorke was never without a smile on his face.

His laid-back Caribbean style was supposedly the secret of his success.

Now it is in danger of forcing him to follow Cole in finding a new club.

Private life

In the wake of United's interest in Paolo di Canio, Yorke has been linked with Fulham and Middlesbrough.

Sir Alex Ferguson at last seems to have run out of patience with the 30-year-old's playboy lifestyle.

While most of the United stars are happily settled, Yorke's private life could fuel its own tabloid.

His relationship with supermodel Jordan has rarely been out of the papers.

Yorke was attacked by Fifa official Jack Warner

Then there was last year's savage attack by Fifa vice-president and Trinidad and Tobago official Jack Warner.

Following the news that Yorke had quit international football, Warner said: "Dwight's behaviour is a symptom of football today.

"There is a small group of spoilt players who will destroy the sport like a cancer."

The warning signs have been there for some time.

Ferguson preferred Teddy Sheringham to play upfront with Cole for most of last season but Yorke seems either unwilling or unable to change.

With three Premiership titles and a European Cup winners medal he is able to look back on a career most players can only dream about.

Much now depends on whether he has the desire to prove once again just why he won those honours.

Does he want to be remembered for his activities on or off the pitch?

It is a close call at the moment.