Schmeichel Tips United For Title

Peter Schmeichel maintains Manchester United have the edge in this season’s title race, despite currently trailing Manchester City by two points.

The Reds legend actually turned out for both clubs during his glittering professional career, but insists United’s experience will prove key during the crucial title run-in.

“The players, the staff, the fans... they all know what this stage of the season is like,” he told ManUtd.com. “This is the point of the season where history and tradition excels. This is when that really counts.”

And while Paul Scholes, speaking after United’s dramatic win at Norwich last Sunday, said the Reds “may have to win every game to win the league”, Schmeichel disagrees.

The former goalkeeper envisages plenty of twists and turns before the season ends. It’s how United and City react to those disappointment, he says, that will determine where the trophy ends up.

“It’s been an odd season,” Schmeichel said. “United beat Arsenal 8-2 and then lost 3-2 to Blackburn, who then went and lost 7-1 to Arsenal a few weeks later. You don’t know what’s going to happen next.

“What you need to understand, though, is that you can have bad results in March and April and still win the league. Players at United know that losing one game won’t lose you the title. They know that’s no reason to panic.”

Manchester City, on the other hand, haven’t been seriously involved in a title race since 1976/77 and only four of the current squad boast Premier League winner’s medals (two with United). Players in the Blues’ dressing room, Schmeichel says, are more likely to be affected by the external pressures that come with challenging for silverware.

“All you hear about in March, April and May on the TV or radio is the title race and people analysing who’s going to win and who’s going to lose. It’s relentless and there’s no way you can avoid it.

“The media will talk about every defeat as if it’s the end of the world. There’s so much pressure on players at this time of the year, so the last thing you need is to invite more pressure on yourself by believing all the headlines when you drop points.

“And that’s where United have the advantage. If you’ve not been in that situation before, it’s easy to believe what you read or see on Sky Sports News.

“United have been here so many times. They know they can win the league even if they drop points. And that will be crucial.”

Peter Schmeichel was speaking to ManUtd.com at Manchester United Foundation's Lunch With Legends event at Old Trafford.