Schmikes: Come on Reds

Peter Schmeichel is backing Manchester United – and Edwin van der Sar – in this season’s Champions League campaign.

The Reds legend made no secret of his continued affection for United in a recent webchat at Uefa.com.

“I’ll be supporting United and I’m sure they'll have a great season,” he said.

The Dane, who played 398 times for the Reds, also had high praise for Edwin van der Sar.

Schmeichel claims the Dutchman's mere presence inspires confidence in those around him.

“Edwin has been fantastic at Manchester United,” Schmeichel said. “There have been many goalkeepers at the club in recent years but nobody has really stepped forward – but Edwin has shown when he plays there is no issue.

“He’s made a lot of players better. Take Rio Ferdinand: he’s a better player because he trusts the goalkeeper behind him. The way Edwin plays is ideal for the team. He’s the exact goalkeeper for United.”

Schmeichel, widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers to ever walk onto a football pitch, seemed almost envious of van der Sar’s ability to deal with back-passes.

“Edwin’s a product of the new rules,” Schmeichel said. “When I first started playing I could pick the ball up [from a back-pass].

“Edwin’s ability with his feet is second to none – players can pass the ball back knowing that he’ll control the ball and not make a mistake.”