Why leaving United was my biggest regret | Peter Schmeichel | UTD Podcast

Listen to the full episode now at www.deezer.com/episode/10154606
The Great Dane, Peter Schmeichel joins the Pod in this week's feature-length episode, where he talks about his explosive bust-up with Sir Alex Ferguson which almost cost the legendary goalkeeper his job. He also opened up about his regret at leaving Manchester United immediately after the success of the Treble in 1999 and why going on to play for rivals Manchester City didn't work out the way he'd planned.
Helen and Maysie welcomed former Premier League defender, Alex Bruce to the Pod to share his childhood memories of growing up next door to the Schmeichels, leading to his life-long friendship with Peter's son, Kasper.
We have a lot more huge Man Utd names lined up for the coming weeks - from past and present - so make sure you're subscribed. If you're enjoying this series then please consider leaving a rating and a review, wherever you get your podcasts.
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[@julietmabi]

He's still a United legend.. And we will always see him as such.

[@MemoryLaneCinema]

that goes without saying

[@danielevans4573]

Give Ole time it's 1989 still is

[@tolkienfan10]

@EZ ZE, Coley was/is a legend. He joined City. And I know you're not saying that Denis Law is not a club legend lol.

[@grassrootsfootball225]

who is saying he isn't? it goes without saying he is a club legend

[@grassrootsfootball225]

@EZ ZE he joined a different man city mate.. he didn't leave us for a direct rival and nobody really cared too much at the time

[@joannewootton8328]

Peter Schmeichel was & still is the best goalkeeper united ever had & I really do miss him.

[@0105terri]

Harry Gregg and him

[@patrickanderson9023]

van der sar was better.

[@MiguelBaptista1981]

Shmeichel joining Sporting CP, my own team, was shocking. I couldn't believe it. And he helped us won the league, after a 20 year draught. Absolutely bonkers.

[@Jackiemoonpie]

I'm glad I've heard Peter's side of this, he is being very honest and i respect everything he is saying here. Legend in my eyes.

[@bobbyboko6317]

I forget he ever played for anyone else , a united legend

[@Jackiemoonpie]

There was 18 goalkeepers between schmeichel and Edwin, remember that when you judge ole.

[@PeterJPickles]

Everyone forgets Barthez, top keeper.

[@rusty6899]

Barthez was decent but made a fair few erratic errors. I actually liked Tim Howard, I never understood how Fergie rated Roy Carroll ahead of him.

[@deanwalker6437]

@@PeterJPickles top class mate! The guy was amazing

[@Vanja1993]

As a little kid Pete was my favourite MU player, and after all these years he still is.

[@briancook1487]

I agree with you

[@Dazbog373]

We has such a hard time replacing him, and he was still in his prime. If he'd stayed we'd have won at least one more Champions League before 2008.

[@DoctorHver]

I called it actually in 1999, we have fine backup keeper Van Der Gouw but there is similar keeper named Van Der Sar wanting to leave Ajax who is actually miles better than Van Der Gouw and on the up, and said United should just get VDS but nope United decided to be daft and resigned Bosnish who was worse than VDG.

[@Dazbog373]

@@DoctorHver our selection of keepers after Schmeichel was like one clown after another jumping out of a little car

[@yuvalomrad7090]

The own goal of Roy Keane vs Real Madrid was due to misunderstood with the new Goalkeeper

[@ozieikram2511]

I’m glad he went to city. Did an amazing performance against Liverpool at anfield last game of the season and stopped them getting champs league place.

[@skh73]

Best keeper united ever had, I respect his decision to go to city. His family comes first in my books. Rivals or not. Legend!

[@ItsameDrew]

I'd put Van Der Sar up there. He was already getting on when he came to united - he had strong morals - United tried to sign him when he'd agreed, but hadn't yet signed for fulham. VDS said he'd already given his word and ended up joining them before coming to united later, i respect him for that.

[@kfung4]

City was nothing back then...

[@gerardjames9971]

They're nothing now either. A plaything for a oil rich sheikh to sportswash his backward country. Nobody respects or has any interest in Man City, an artificially rich club with a team of mercenaries and a cheat for a manager

[@simonmurphy2967]

Rather city to liverpool, ps joined city coz thats were his fam grew up and didnt wanna disrupt school for his kids etc, and back then city was trash so it didnt make a diff, now, if he had joined liverpool a more fierce rival to utd it wudda been a diff story

[@red_reaper]

He is still the greatest Premier League goalkeeper of all time.

[@simonmurphy2967]

Kahn, buffon, seaman, van der sar cech all say hi, all 100 times better, hell, tim flowers was better than schmeichel.

[@KJ_2020]

@@simonmurphy2967 do you get a thrill out of writing idiotic things on the internet? at least try to make it look like you have some clue

[@mrlace4776]

Right. So far, the only goalkeeper to win Premier League Player of the Season.

[@jacklaverty4310]

@@mrlace4776 brilliant point

[@malthekruse7750]

@@simonmurphy2967 omfg you really don't know anything about goalkeeping or football in general do you?

[@mufcracer8609]

best goalkeeper ever to put on the united shirt we been blessed with great keepers but no1 tops peter in my opinion

[@jamiesimms7084]

The truth you're talking

[@petermorgan6884]

I'm a liverpool fan but schmeichel was the best in the prem

[@parijatsaha3977]

Correct. How do you rate Dean Henderson?

[@mortenottosen4938]

@@parijatsaha3977 dean henderson is only decent to be honest

[@AsteroidEel]

@@parijatsaha3977 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@neemnoa303]

While de Gea is a great shot stopper, and Edwin was a really calm, intelligent and reliable keeper, it's hard to imagine anyone taking away Peter's crown as the greatest ever Manchester United goalkeeper. He dominated the whole box, and never accepted anything less than 100% from his defenders. His brilliant positioning and ridiculous agility for a big man, was just the cherry on the cake.

[@marhcNecro]

de Gea is overrated. He's closer to Barthez than Schmeichel and vd Saar.

[@relentero8547]

@@marhcNecro facts, but Barthez was out of his prime at United. He was great tho in his prime

[@robknight1473]

I remember watching Peter and he owned the box . Hardly ever punched the ball . Caught most in those giant hands

[@whichdoctor4858]

Best Utd keeper ever. Remember him heading in a goal. Went to City and lost the love. Still has the respect. You can also see why he went to City, location, schools and family. Thanks for helping UTD win all those games Schimmy!

[@MichaelHolmgaard]

The way he approached goalkeeping was groundbreaking. Nothing short of exceptional! That save on Klintsmann in the Euro final still gets my everytime...

[@Prognosis__]

I have great memories of this legend....I don’t know, maybe it was time....Sometimes is ok to leave on top. It’s all history now and Peter will never be forgotten....I did wonder why he went to City 😆

[@10mkamran]

As a United fan I think we take this for granted as we had the worlds best keeper at one point in time. Peter Schmeichel we thank you for your service👏🏼 you’ll always be a United legend🔴🔱

[@ozamrani22]

Every time i see him i immediately remember his last minutes penalty save against Bergkamp in the semi final of the FA Cup, i can't really hate the guy.

[@hurrifitbeats8117]

Even he plays for the other teams. I could not turn my back against him. He would die for Man United. When we concede never once I blame the keeper coz he is the best. So if he can't save it then nobody can. Only once I saw him made a mistake was against Barnsley. Didnt blame him at all. Seeing him do so much over the years for Man United. I got nothing but love for him. LEGEND AND THE BEST KEEPER WE EVER HAD. To bow out of Man United after winning the TREBLE was the best. Cantona style. Bow out at the very top. Thanks for Everything Peter Schmeichel.

[@mrkipling2201]

I remember being at Old Trafford for the Leeds home game 91/92 and he flapped at a cross allowing Lee chapman to score. I thought oh what have we bought here!! Showed how little I knew at that time!! Our best ever keeper.

[@pritvanjara7017]

Remember Gary Neville's response on Derby day 😂😂

[@-lil_p]

What did he say?

[@xiTzShuBBz]

Iam Paras he snubbed a handshake

[@pritvanjara7017]

@@-lil_p You need to see it to feel it

[@rob_3417]

@@-lil_p search it on here

[@mickfoskett6629]

Gary Neville was right to snub him..although he's United's best ever goalie..he should never had joined the bitter plastics!!👹

[@pioneercolonel]

Peter Schmeichel was, is and will always be United Greatest goalkeeper of all time.

[@alleppeyjewellers]

Well the honest interview in a loooooong time

[@ruhatdurkal]

İ always asked that's question to myself about had any player problem with him or not. Peter was legend still now too. We like the football fans missing football from 80s - 90s.... Big legend Peter 👏👏👏

[@kenwardkgarg]

One of the most intimidating and extraordinary of goalkeepers.

[@marcosfonseca13]

Ty for joining Sporting. Was amaizing have the best GK of all time.

[@keithlim1075]

When a player is Young and Commanding , it's understandable, once he retires later stage in life and reflex upon his field behaviour & charisma, pretty sure he would have behave better. Nonetheless he realise his weakness , Glad Pete has spoken out.

[@shaunwelch9176]

Hes a beast no doubt about it, no goalkeeper can be the best like him, still my idol when I play in goal.

[@craigy691]

Greatest keeper ever and I’m a Newcastle fan he was unbelievable

[@davidheseltine85]

I'm glad that they put up it was David May, he's unrecogniseable!

[@JM-sy2xf]

Imagine leaving the biggest club in the world for city....

[@OptimusDelta]

Though that honor is for real madrid but yeah i agree.leaving united for a small club like city is blasphemy

[@davidlogan8905]

He left for Sporting

[@sj89real52]

😅😅 he didn’t

[@gold9994]

@@OptimusDelta ??? Barca>>Madrid

[@-avinash2344]

Gold 999 Madrid’s the best club in football history

[@Yewbzee]

Love this guy. The best keeper of all time. I was gutted he went to City but I forgive him. You’ve always clearly been able to see the love he has for united during his punditry over the years.

[@jordanon95]

The save he done against Norwich I think in the 92/93 season on the champions video was the best I've seen

[@RikuWolf23]

The Big Dane! True United fans will always love you ♥

[@aishabarozi2730]

United legends 💪

[@caracasaltavista]

Love this guy!!

[@elledurnan]

Best goalie ever. Utd will always love him

[@moleman4054]

Best keeper ever. What a legend.

[@keithlim1075]

Initially I have the impression was Peter wld never apologise let alone regret leaving , more surprising was Seeing David May in attendance, Pete was always blaming defenders, shouting & gesticulating wildly, he was never wrong. He has his attitude twisted up during his tenure at the best stopper during his era.

[@kendo5862]

Amazing keeper (from a NUFC fan)

[@briancook1487]

Peter Schmeichel is always be my hero my favourite player growing up

[@jagproductions2024]

I can say that, in Portugal, was a shock when he signed with Sporting CP. A shock in a positive way.

[@Vanguardkl]

That's David May nice to see these guys. Schmeichel was my favourite player and Giggs second.

[@rgg6738]

Big shame that he finished when he did. Sir Alex knew his players and their character, probably had so much respect for him and his decision.

[@bigtoebundy3828]

Nobody will ever argue him being a utd legend.....u could say the same of Denis law.....Peter is the best GK we ever had......ever

[@davidtownsend1035]

for me when you have done what he had he was entitled to do what he wanted with his career legend always

[@nihadmohammed6986]

Left United ? Ok.. Join City ? Not ok

[@Foxtrot6624]

Back then it wasn't near as big a deal. Tiny club, barley even rivals. Not to mention that Peter has a family, and a life outside of football. Because he stayed in Manchester his child didn't have to move school, he didn't need a new house. He said himself his body couldn't keep up with the work of playing at the highest level, city was an acceptable choice back then.

[@chesurechesure]

Foxtrot6624 going across town to your rival is always a big deal no matter what!!

[@eoinoneill3937]

I agree with this statement with Tevez but not Peter as foxtrot stated at that time city were no where near they were in the mid 2000s

[@katgunderheisendonoghue6050]

He wouldn’t even play against united when they met them in the league.

[@d3fl3tch4r]

Spoken like someone who wasn't alive to see what a pivotal part of our early Premier League success.

[@joshdavid76]

Still the best,peter...always a legend.

[@saurabhjyotsinghkhehra7048]

I see the great Dane . I click and like !

[@Donte_Mac]

this guy is a legend , shouldnt be any doubt bout that!

[@Schmeichel4ever]

4:17 - that era from Schmeichel to Van der Man...I'm quite sure I lost a few years of life, going through that rubbish...especially..ahem...barthez, bosnic..erm...LOL

[@rivercloud77]

Peter.. U need to talk this to Pogba directly..let him hear this from u alone... Come on..

[@pyrotgr7723]

HELL'S HITMAN yeah with 100k less than Sanchez wage

[@wachiddaga2919]

Pogba will hear, but his agent.

[@mohdhasyudin111]

He still can be no. 1goalkeeper if he stays after winning champions league. We had difficult time for replace him, until Edwin van die Saar came. Bathez also consider failer at Utd even he win a World Cup andeuro with France. So now apreciate that we have david de gea in our side.

[@MavTactics23]

If United had Peter they'd have won a champions league after 99. If he'd stayed a couple more years . He's right the managing of players in his situation was crucial.

[@nigelnyoni8265]

Van Nistelrooy at the front, Pete at the back? We were winning it again for sure!

[@dougdoug9268]

Best goalkeeper on the planet ever GOAT

[@MrAmr8]

Simply the greatest the Premier League has seen, just just ahead of De Gea and Van der Saar!

[@dahl121]

The reason why I became a United fan in the early 90's

[@IndeedeeGraphics]

Wish we'd see more Nev passion in todays footballers - all too friendly and hugging before and after the match. Don't care if they're mates in private, as long as I don't have to watch it during the matches.

[@christopherrola671]

Still top 3 goalie of all time, even tho leaving united for city was a little disrespectful

[@bhew7409]

he left for Villa but missed his home then United didnt want him

[@Hardy2608]

@@bhew7409 so he wanted to come back after city but united didn't want him?

[@-avinash2344]

He’s number 2 after lev yashin

[@pyrotgr7723]

Offset Yashin, Oliver Kahn, Buffon. He is probably tie with Kahn

[@TezTezTezTezTez]

Peter the great That throw he had as well.. never been another keeper like him in the premier league

[@parijatsaha3977]

LEGEND

[@vladimirstroganoff4404]

It's conflicting but you can't hate him for it, he did it for his family.

[@saqibmohammad9906]

Engage your brain sometimes

[@MemoryLaneCinema]

Our best keeper EVER.

[@thatguy7161]

Pete is a legend, best GK for me

[@user-gb5yf9qb8r]

Best GK in the prem history he will always be remembered as a red a legend for the fans and our club

[@grassrootsfootball225]

will always be the greatest GK I have ever seen

[@TheCinderellaman10]

Greatest keeper I ever saw in Europe

[@DaleThomas-lw5mr]

Love Schimachael how ever u spell it best keeper Utd ever had or will

[@peterpetigrew2869]

A true United Legend !!!! 😈😈😈😈

[@thereckon3592]

He's still the only goalkeeper to ever become player of the season.

[@bottlecap57]

Probably the best keeper united ever had but van der sar pushed him very close. Personally I thought schmeichcels handling went in his last season for the reds but still went on to complete the treble.

[@bikesnippets]

The best goalkeeper of all time.

[@saahilnagar]

Glory Glory Manchester United PETER SCHIMICEL=THE BEST GOALKEEPERNIN THE WORLD

[@richs8491]

When you talk about goalkeeping legends the list is as follows 1. Peter schmeichel 2.gianluggi buffon 3.ilker cassilas 4.angleo peruzzi 5.oliver khan

[@akshatbetala2813]

van der sar over peruzzi

[@peterpetigrew2869]

City were not City back then..it was like joining Salford..its ok

[@joshdavid76]

We had so many leaders in the past united team..and now we have lots of dancers and comedians.

[@dan5107]

Best keeper to date

[@youssefmouhssine2977]

What if, what if. One thing's for sure, the idea of The Great Dane on the bench, after the treble-winning season creates a little hypothetical problem for the staff, less place on the bench for other substitutes. The greatest goalie ever, alongside Lev Yachin.

[@bobnab1570]

was the greatest of all time , went out on top like eric .

[@alanmurray5963]

The greatest goalkeeper of all time 🔥 MUFC 🔥

[@michaelfaulkner3119]

David may couldn't have said it any clearer man. Pete was the very best goalkeeper ever.

[@stephenbolger8724]

Greatest ever

[@garybennett9239]

Best Manchester United GK of all time

[@MayankSingh-mu3uo]

Van der sar

[@rickyevans3845]

As a Chelsea fan he is the best I have seen in the prem, closely followed by Cech. Not much between them at all, especially before Cech's head injury

[@dagnut]

I thought that was Ron Howard in the thumbnail

[@iamnotyou1609]

I only care for 8 years after that he tried regrets and still loves United

[@user-pn3fb9eo5i]

Rory Bremner makes some knowledgeable points.

[@bubu2648]

I first thought its about Pogba

[@radun3915]

I guess if you stayed in England for a long time you absorb the accent. Amazing

[@ayeayekyi5186]

1999 to 2005 goalkeeper problem made sir alex headache so much until van der sar move to united

[@10mkamran]

My Manchester United Xl: GK: P Schmeichel - Leader RB: G Neville - consistency CB: N Vidic - warrior CB: R Ferdinand - captain LB: P Evra - consistency RM: G Best - legend CM: D Beckham - quality CM: P Scholes - passion LM: C Ronaldo - determination ST: R Nistelrooy - Clinical ST: W Rooney - solider Manager: Sir Alex Ferguson

[@telmolicious]

U got Becks as a CM and no Keano? Ya done now

[@mohdhasyudin111]

Where's Phil Jones? As a joker!!

[@andyjoyce9956]

GK: E van der Sar RB: D Irwin CB: J Stam CB: N Vidic LB: P Evra CDM: R Keane CDM: B Robson RM: D Beckham CAM: P Scholes LM: C Ronaldo ST: R van Nistelrooy Manager: Sir Alex Ferguson

[@TYT695]

I did not recognise David May until he spoke!

[@teipkep]

cant blame anyone for being burned out and doing decisions based on that

[@Djinn_YourDoom]

united We stand.....

[@robknight1473]

The greatest keeper of all time

[@flashgordon8792]

It still blows my mind to this day that he went to City. Same with Andy Cole.

[@nigelnyoni8265]

It's not the same. Andy Cole is a legend at Man United, but he'd been to a few clubs before and after, so it wasn't so bad. Schmeichel is UNITED Through and Through that's why it hurts more that he went to city!

[@darklordxxx]

Best united keeper hands down .

[@DoctorHver]

Considering United didn't figure out of sigining VDS until 2006, I think I agree Schmichel should have stayed few more years.

[@taf10]

Same Goes for Other players...

[@davidcollins2044]

At the time I seen no reason why he left it was like a Cantona moment when Peter left it was like why?