Peter Schmeichel was born in Gladsaxe, Denmark, on 18th November 1963. He began playing professional football with Hvidovre of Denmark, before moving on to one of the country's biggest League clubs, Brondby. At Brondby, Schmeichel picked up three League Championship medals and was voted Danish 'Footballer of the year' in 1990. In August 1991 Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson paid £500,000 for the relatively unknown keeper. Schmeichel however turned out to be worth his weight in gold!

On his debut at Old Trafford Schmeichel kept a clean sheet as he did for the next three games. The United faithful quickly recognised his skill in goal, claiming after just four games that he was the best keeper to play for United since Alex Stepney.

In his first full season at Old Trafford, he collected a League Cup winners' medal and helped United to second spot in the League, conceding only 33 goals in 42 games. The following season United and Schmeichel went one better, winning the League Championship - a trophy Manchester United had coveted for 26 years.

Since moving to Manchester United, Schmeichel has picked up four League Championship medals, has won the F.A. Cup twice and a League Cup winners' medal. It is no coincidence that Schmeichel's arrival at Old Trafford has coincided with one of United's most successful spells in their history. Voted the Best 'Keeper in the World' on two occasions, he is almost certainly the best in Europe. His large frame is often enough to put a player off the target. He is an excellent shot stopper and contributes to the attack with his long throws and goal kicks. From time to time, participates in United's attack, moving up the field for corners (scoring once for United when playing against Rotor Volgograd in September 1995).

In addition to all his domestic honours, Schmeichel is a permanent fixture in the Danish team and was a part of the team who won the European Championships in 1992. His performances in the 1992 European Championship finals made him a national hero. He was the team captain in 1997/98, due to the absence of Roy Keane.