Peter Schmeichel has dropped an interesting – and bizarre – compliment after Manchester United’s stunning FA Cup quarter-final win over Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Manchester United punched their ticket to Wembley next month after Amad Diallo’s heroics sealed a 4-3 victory over the Premier League club’s fierce rivals.
Erik ten Hag has reiterated his desire to see United progress in the competition, with the FA Cup being the Red Devils’ last real chance of lifting silverware this season.
The 54-year-old United boss fell short of the FA Cup trophy in his debut season at Old Trafford after the Red Devils suffered a 2-1 defeat to Manchester City in 2023.
United drew Coventry City for their semi-final tie at Wembley next month, with Erik ten Hag’s men closing in on a second consecutive FA Cup final appearance.
If United are able to beat Coventry City, then the Red Devils will face the winner of Manchester City vs Chelsea in the FA Cup final at Wembley.
Despite the praise dropped on different United stars over the Liverpool match, Peter Schmeichel has instead highlighted one “different man” at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Schmeichel’s observation on Man Utd man
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel threw his full support behind Erik ten Hag and does not believe that he should be replaced.
Ten Hag’s future at Old Trafford has been shrouded in mystery amid Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s arrival, with United linked with different managers in recent months.
Schmeichel spotlighted Ten Hag further with his observation from the Liverpool match, saying that the United boss looked like a “different man” at Old Trafford.
The 60-year-old Dane dropped surprising praise on Ten Hag’s choice of outfit, with the Dutchman looking more “like the manager” and a “strong character.”
“Most people will say this doesn’t mean anything, but he came on that pitch yesterday in a suit and tie and looked like a different man,” Schmeichel said (via BBC Sport).
“He looked like the manager, like a strong character. Sometimes these little changes have a massive impact.
“If this is how Ten Hag is going to approach this next period, then I don’t see any reason for a change.
“There are lots of other positions that need changing in the club and you can’t do it all in one go.”
Ten Hag sends clear Man Utd message
Despite United’s impressive progress in the FA Cup, the Red Devils face a major obstacle in securing Champions League football for next season.
Ten Hag’s men are sixth in the Premier League and are six points behind fifth-place Tottenham and nine points adrift of fourth-place Aston Villa, who have played one more match than United.
Following the Liverpool match, Ten Hag reiterated that United must remain in the race for the Premier League top four until the end of the season.
The former Ajax manager added that his target for United this season is to lift major silverware and secure his side’s place in the Champions League next season.
“The team showed resilience and determination to win this game,” Ten Hag told BBC Sport, as per The Evening Standard.
“We have had so many setbacks. We are very strong mentally. We energised the fans, they got behind us, and we won.
“It doesn’t matter who the opponent is, you have to play your best. Yesterday, we saw Coventry are a very strong side. They played fantastic football and we have to play our best if we want to be in the final.
“We are still fighting. For a long time in the season, we are far behind that level but we are putting pressure on Spurs and Villa.
“Every game is a final and we lost one final against Fulham. Our goal is the Champions League and silverware.”