FRANCE 98 – General Media News Template

Denmark goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel has to be one of the greatest bargain buys of all time.

Manchester United paid just 800,000 pounds to Danish club Brondby for Schmeichel’s signature back in 1991, and the man dubbed “the great Dane” has since played a key role in United’s almost constant run of success. Now the powerful, outspoken custodian is hoping he can translate his success at club level to the World Cup arena.

Schmeichel’s ongoing success with Manchester United must be bitter pill for Newcastle to swallow. They looked at signing him back in 1987, but decided he was too inexperienced. United swooped after he had starred for Denmark in the 1988 Olympic qualifying tournament and he later ousted Troels Rasmussen as No.1 choice for the national side.

Throughout his career with Gladsaxe, Hvidovre, Brondby and United, Schmiechel has been used to winning trophies. He won four Danish League medals and a Danish Cup medal before joining United, where he has played on four Premiership winning teams and collected two FA Cup winners’ medals. Statistics show that United are almost 30 percent more likely to lose if Schmeichel is absent and that he concedes only an average of only 0.8 goals per game.

The 1992 season was certainly his most memorable to date with United winning the Premiership and Denmark taking out the European Nations title. This year’s tournament is his first chance to play in the World Cup. Denmark failed to qualify in both 1990 and 1994 but Schmeichel was an ever-present in their successful qualifying campaign this time around.

A brilliant shot-stopper and a commanding presence in the penalty area, he conceded only six goals in those eight games and Denmark’s finish ahead of Croatia and Greece was built on his defensive security. On the field, Schmieichel is an abrasive, prickly character, quick with a harsh word for teammates and rivals alike. Off the field, the United captain is a quiet, relective man who is savouring every moment of his continued success at the age of 34.

“I was a part-time player until I was 24,” he recalls. “I had part-time jobs, did an apprenticeship as a carpet fitter, sold advertising for a local newspaper and worked as a cleaner. I know what real work is all about that makes me appreciate football all the more.”