Schmeichel: "United is arriving in top form" (MARCA)

FORMER DANISH NET-MINDER ANALYSES CUP CLASH

Schmeichel: "United is arriving in top form"

02/11/2013

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Peter Schmeichel, who spent eight years between the sticks for Manchester United, gave his opinions on the Champions League second round clash between Real Madrid and his former team to Spain's EL MUNDO newspaper. The legendary Danish keeper believes the 'Red Devils' are in with a good shout: "Manchester United is arriving in top form and should win because the team is having a great season".

For the ex-keeper, who currently acts as an ambassador for Manchester United, the duel could be described as an early final. "They are two of the biggest clubs in the world – Barcelona isn't as big. Real Madrid and Manchester United have dominated historically over the last 100 years", assures Schmeichel.

On Mourinho's decision to drop Casillas, Schmeichel said: "from what Mourinho said, I understand that Casillas needed a kick up the backside".

Finally, he doesn't think that Mourinho will replace Sir Alex Ferguson in the Old Trafford dugout, although he was full of praise for the Portuguese manager. "He probably won't be his successor. I don't think the club would be happy with all the baggage Mourinho would bring with him. He would be a great candidate on a technical level, but I don't think the club would want all the external elements that would come with him. We've seen it at Chelsea, Inter and now with Real Madrid. He's a manager for three years – he doesn't last longer", he drove home.