United owed it all to Schmeichel says Corrigan

Peter Schmeichel was the inspirational figure behind Manchester United’s domination of English football in the 1990s – not Eric Cantona.

That is the view of former England international Joe Corrigan, now goalkeeping coach of Champions League contenders Liverpool.

Schmeichel bows out on Sunday after spending his final season with United’s rivals Manchester City – and at Maine Road where Corrigan made his name.

It is perhaps appropriate that the 39-year-old Danish shotstopper is bringing the curtain down on his career on the day the old ground closes it doors on matchday for the last time.

While Corrigan appreciates the job Schmeichel has done for City, he knows that his legacy will remain at Old Trafford.

There he was an integral part of a side that won the Champions League, five Premiership titles, three FA Cups and a League Cup.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson paid Danish club Brondby £600,000 (€838,000) for his services in 1991 - and got a huge dividend on such a paltry sum.

Corrigan said: “People talk about Eric Cantona and his contribution to Manchester United but I would mark Schmeichel down as the most influential player in the team.

“Until that time United never really had a goalkeeper of international standard.

“When Schmeichel arrived he struggled to find his best form but he turned things around by working very hard.

“Not only did he become a great goalkeeper, he became a leader as he was such a good organiser.

“Sometimes he took that to extremes but his confidence spread throughout the team, especially at the back.

“You could see that in the way Steve Bruce and Gary Pallister kept on performing at a high level.”

Corrigan saw at first hand last weekend that Schmeichel is still an imposing figure.

The City goalkeeper made a string of impressive saves in the 2-1 win against Liverpool at Anfield.

Now 39-year-old Schmeichel is hoping to go out on a winning note on Sunday when FA Cup finalists Southampton are the visitors.

Corrigan said: “Peter knows his body best and to be honest not many goalkeepers go on into their 40s.

“It would be a tragedy if he lingered longer than he should do, considering the career he's had.

“I would say he has made the right decision at the right time.

“He’s done really well in the short period he has been with City and made some crucial saves for the club.”