Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel has opened up on some of the biggest moments of his career and shared his views on the club’s present and future in Part 2 of his exclusive interview with Sofascore’s A Guest and a Half video series.
The former United goalkeeper spoke at length about Sir Alex Ferguson, describing him as “like a father” and recalling how Ferguson first scouted him secretly during training in Marbella.
“Honestly, he’s the most perfect person I could have ever met in football,” Schmeichel said. “We first crossed paths in 1990. He says he hid behind a bush to watch me train. He sent his goalkeeping coach to see me 13 times without me knowing. And after missing out on me that first summer, he promised he would come back. That promise stayed with me every single day until I signed for United. He was relentlessly demanding, but that suited me. That relationship still continues today.”
Peter Schmeichel, former Manchester United goalkeeper
Schmeichel also reflected on Ferguson’s current pain watching United struggle.
“He’s heartbroken – that’s my feeling. He built everything the club stands for, and now he’s watching it slowly unravel. It must be painful.”
Peter Schmeichel, former Manchester United goalkeeper
Looking ahead, Schmeichel backed Rúben Amorim to restore stability at Old Trafford, praising his communication and leadership.
“What makes me feel okay about Amorim is his ability to communicate. Maybe he’s a bit too honest sometimes, but I like that. He’s done a rebuild before. He knows what it takes. I’d rather have someone like him, who understands how bad things can get, than someone new who’s starting from scratch. We’re in good hands.”
Peter Schmeichel, former Manchester United goalkeeper
The Dane also offered a fresh perspective on some of his most famous former teammates. On David Beckham, he insisted the footballer’s talent went beyond the celebrity image.
“People see the icon, the celebrity, the fashion. But as a footballer? Unbelievable. Every set piece felt like a genuine scoring chance. His delivery was so precise that even if the opposition knew exactly where it was going, they still couldn’t stop it. For us defenders, training against that quality every day made us better. That’s leadership – not speeches, just showing everyone the way.”
Peter Schmeichel, former Manchester United goalkeeper
On Dwight Yorke, Schmeichel called him “the final piece of the jigsaw” during United’s treble-winning season.
“Without him, I don’t think we’d have won the treble. He tied it all together. Andy Cole was already fantastic, but with Dwight they had this magical connection. The flicks, the passes, the instinct – none of it was rehearsed. Dwight brought energy and happiness into the dressing room, but he also scored 32 goals in that first season. Yes, he was a ‘party animal,’ but he was also completely professional. That balance made him brilliant.”
Peter Schmeichel, former Manchester United goalkeeper
Schmeichel also revisited Euro ’92, where Denmark shocked Europe by winning the tournament despite not originally qualifying. He recalled the emotional start against England as the moment that gave them belief.
“The Danish league had just ended, we were mentally switched off, ready for holiday. Then suddenly we’re playing in the Euros. Our first game was against England, 0-0, and that gave us confidence. From there, it became a completely different adventure. But it was complicated emotionally, because we took Yugoslavia’s place. When we won it, it felt like we’d done it with them, not against them.”
Peter Schmeichel, former Manchester United goalkeeper
The conversation also touched on his son, Kasper Schmeichel, who has built his own reputation from the penalty spot.
“26 penalties saved – that’s incredible. He’s very good on penalties. Remember against you Croatian guys in 2018, he saved three and still didn’t win. Like Mbappé scoring a hat-trick in the World Cup final and still not winning. Fantastic, especially in penalties.”
Peter Schmeichel, former Manchester United goalkeeper
The full interview covers Schmeichel’s ultimate goalkeeper rankings and inside stories from United’s golden era, giving fans a rare insight into the career of one of football’s all-time greats.
You can watch the complete A Guest and a Half interview with Peter Schmeichel, part 2 here: