I'd have him as better shot stopper than DDG. It's not even a contest as to who is the better overall of the two. I'd have VDS over DDG every day of the week as well.
Legend status they are probably both up there, but Schmeichel is a bigger one.
Is De Gea a bigger Man Utd legend than Peter Schmeichel?
- Thread starter George Beast
- Start date
Legend status they are probably both up there, but Schmeichel is a bigger one.
Sums it up for me! DDG has been a decent shot stopper but Pete was a monster in all senses of the word. I'd argue anyone saying DDG is even close to Schmeichel is insulting the Great Dane!
Schmeichel has that Cantona X-factor because of his role in establishing us as the team in England. There may (or may not) have been better players in their positions, but did those players leave an indelible mark on the history of our club, or are they just great players that played for us.
My take is that De Gea is a United legend and a great goalkeeper. I'm terms of quality, he's up there with VDS and schmeichel (albeit due to different qualities). I would happily accept arguments for any one of them being considered the better keeper than the others, but I don't think De Gea is a bigger legend than the others due to their direct impact on our most successful periods.
My take is that De Gea is a United legend and a great goalkeeper. I'm terms of quality, he's up there with VDS and schmeichel (albeit due to different qualities). I would happily accept arguments for any one of them being considered the better keeper than the others, but I don't think De Gea is a bigger legend than the others due to their direct impact on our most successful periods.
De Gea is an undeniable legend for United and is also one of the best keepers to have played in the Premier League. In his time here, there's not many, if any I'd put above him. Some people seem to want goalkeepers who think they're midfielders but I like my keepers to do the goalkeeping part above all else.
Schmeichel however is the better of the two and the bigger legend, but there's not a massive difference between them and it's no shame seeing as most keepers would fall below the Great Dane.
Why people have to belittle De Gea though is beyond me. He could quite easily have ended up at Real Madrid and won multiple titles and be rightly viewed as an all time great, but he didn't. Irrespective as to what happened that transfer window he stayed at United and gave us his best years. Unfortunately the club couldn't return the favour.
Schmeichel however is the better of the two and the bigger legend, but there's not a massive difference between them and it's no shame seeing as most keepers would fall below the Great Dane.
Why people have to belittle De Gea though is beyond me. He could quite easily have ended up at Real Madrid and won multiple titles and be rightly viewed as an all time great, but he didn't. Irrespective as to what happened that transfer window he stayed at United and gave us his best years. Unfortunately the club couldn't return the favour.
No
For the first five years of that - absolutely. He was easily our best player throughout that period.
For the last five years he's been the absolute opposite of reliable. This season has been comfortably his best since his amazing 17/18 season, yet he's still been somewhat inconsistent and has had quite a few mistakes spread throughout the season. Particularly during the two and a half season period encompassing the second half of 18/19 and then all of 19/20 and 20/21, the only thing reliable about him was that he was one of our worst and most inconsistent players.
He's had a bit of a comeback this season which is good to see, but it shouldn't hide how bad he was for a while there.
Sometimes you read a thread and try and understand what it could possibly be based on.
Appearances, longevity maybe?
Aside from that there's no chance.
Schmeichel was a goalie who redefined the role, made saves and filled the goal in a way no-one has come close to replicating since, and was the best keeper at a time we had arguably our best ever teams. The 93-94 team was massively handicapped by the foreigner rule, but was arguably as good as the treble/2008 teams.
And he played in 2 of our great teams too.
Would Schmeichel be a great "modern" keeper? It's irrelevant, as De Gea probably isn't either, as you need the ball playing skills of a sweeper these days apparently, but you can't take a player from 20 odd years ago and judge by today's standards anyway.
Appearances, longevity maybe?
Aside from that there's no chance.
Schmeichel was a goalie who redefined the role, made saves and filled the goal in a way no-one has come close to replicating since, and was the best keeper at a time we had arguably our best ever teams. The 93-94 team was massively handicapped by the foreigner rule, but was arguably as good as the treble/2008 teams.
And he played in 2 of our great teams too.
Would Schmeichel be a great "modern" keeper? It's irrelevant, as De Gea probably isn't either, as you need the ball playing skills of a sweeper these days apparently, but you can't take a player from 20 odd years ago and judge by today's standards anyway.
De Gea has been better than Van der Sar for United, but a level below Peter Schmeichel who was one of the best keepers of his era and a force of nature.
I think Big Pete's personality and the impact that had on the team also elevates him above DDG even if their ability to keep the ball out of the net is close at times.
Schmeichel was a huge personality, willing to go toe to toe with Roy Keane as the leader and biggest influence on the team. The bollockings he would give defenders if they messed up or fell below his standards must surely have had an effect on the performance of the defence.
The way he totally dominated the area, any ball coming in to the box was his no questions is the absolute polar opposite of De Gea (who I'm obviously a fan of). I mean can you blame any opposition player for thinking twice about challenging for a high ball when that unit was bearing down on them. His ability to launch a throw to the half way line was also a brilliant starting point for lots of counter attacking.
I also wouldn't hold De Gea's balls ups against him because Pete was more than capable of a few of those himself. All in all they are both brilliant keepers but I don't think Schmeichel has been eclipsed and I'm not sure he ever will be.
Schmeichel was a huge personality, willing to go toe to toe with Roy Keane as the leader and biggest influence on the team. The bollockings he would give defenders if they messed up or fell below his standards must surely have had an effect on the performance of the defence.
The way he totally dominated the area, any ball coming in to the box was his no questions is the absolute polar opposite of De Gea (who I'm obviously a fan of). I mean can you blame any opposition player for thinking twice about challenging for a high ball when that unit was bearing down on them. His ability to launch a throw to the half way line was also a brilliant starting point for lots of counter attacking.
I also wouldn't hold De Gea's balls ups against him because Pete was more than capable of a few of those himself. All in all they are both brilliant keepers but I don't think Schmeichel has been eclipsed and I'm not sure he ever will be.
And Schmeikel is annoying on the radio. And Roy KeaneIn my opinion, your legendary status somewhat dwindles when you join our local rivals and then cartwheel in front of United fans at Maine Road to celebrate a 3-1 City win.
I think overall Schmeichel was a better goalkeeper than De Gea, but if you're asking who was the bigger legend, then De Gea is well above Schmeichel because of the way Schmeichel made me feel as a child when he cartwheeled in front of us. I know I should just get over it but looking back it still irks me now
And before anyone brings up Dennis Law: that was a different era where footballers weren't making much money. Schmeichel's options weren't as limited. Also, Law didn't celebrate when he scored against us.
Got a fright for a second there.
It's a shame De Gea's peak coincided with such a bad spell for us as a club. He's been a brilliant servant, and has showed great loyalty down the years. It's reported he's about to sign a new contract with a pay cut as well.
He's had his fair share of mistakes down the years, but I always felt like he makes up for them throughout the season - like the two worldies vs Leicester at the weekend. He will save you points a season, guaranteed.
I don't think he's as good as Schmeichel though. Schmeichel had an aura about him, like he was a big guy but he just looked enormous in the goal. You could hear him shouting across the pitch, he could launch throws to the halfway line. He just looked like a beast between the sticks, and the full package in terms of a shot stopper, control of the area etc.
Still, I'd have DDG up there with Pete and VDS as well, but probably 3rd on the list. If we win a couple more PL's and maybe a CL with Dave in goals, maybe we can revisit. Either way, brilliant GK. I've always felt being a GK at United is one of the most scrutinised positions a player can play.
He's had his fair share of mistakes down the years, but I always felt like he makes up for them throughout the season - like the two worldies vs Leicester at the weekend. He will save you points a season, guaranteed.
I don't think he's as good as Schmeichel though. Schmeichel had an aura about him, like he was a big guy but he just looked enormous in the goal. You could hear him shouting across the pitch, he could launch throws to the halfway line. He just looked like a beast between the sticks, and the full package in terms of a shot stopper, control of the area etc.
Still, I'd have DDG up there with Pete and VDS as well, but probably 3rd on the list. If we win a couple more PL's and maybe a CL with Dave in goals, maybe we can revisit. Either way, brilliant GK. I've always felt being a GK at United is one of the most scrutinised positions a player can play.
Peter a bit overrated.
De Gea a bit underrated.
Largely due to the teams in front of them.
Peter gets the plaudits because we won stuff, but probably a bit undeservedly so.
De Gea a bit underrated.
Largely due to the teams in front of them.
Peter gets the plaudits because we won stuff, but probably a bit undeservedly so.
Schmeichel took goalkeeping to a new level - neither v.d Sar or DDG dit that. Schmeichel is also probably one of the first goalkeepers in history who scared strikers. Several topstrikers in his era openly admitted they were unsure what to do, 1 on 1 with Schmeichel because of his presence. But all 3 keepers are at the highest level, even if Schmeichel is the best
Agreed!
No, and it's not even close. For what is worth Big Pete matches DDG in terms of shot stopping ability but excels in pretty much every other weak point De Gea has.
De Gea might've been great keeper in the 90's where distribution was not so popular and he could've relied on a deep line and his shot stopping ability but in modern game he has many poor areas.
De Gea might've been great keeper in the 90's where distribution was not so popular and he could've relied on a deep line and his shot stopping ability but in modern game he has many poor areas.
Pete obviously had the throw out - inch perfect to the wings, sometimes past the halfway line. Not as agile as DDG but a great stopper all the same. The star jump on 1v1s was very effective.
DDG is great but I put Schmeics and VDS ahead - both those guys were more commanding in the area and helped run the whole defence. DDG is more reserved.
DDG is probably the best shot stopper of the three but some of the saves he has to make would never be required if he got about his area a bit more.
DDG is great but I put Schmeics and VDS ahead - both those guys were more commanding in the area and helped run the whole defence. DDG is more reserved.
DDG is probably the best shot stopper of the three but some of the saves he has to make would never be required if he got about his area a bit more.
DDG is the best shot stopper I've ever seen but Schmeichel is a bigger legend for all that we won. DDG stays for a few more years and we win a few titles and a CL and then we talk. They are comparable as players though. Just sad that David plays so much while the rest of the team was terrible.
That and some people might also mark Schmeichel down for joining City and then cartwheeling in celebration when they beat us.
De Gea has won many many points for us with a far worse team in front of him and with far worse managers, hence not winning any titles since Fergie. That’s not the metric to compare and even if it were there’s not much in it on an individual level. De Gea single handedly (pun intended) stopped us finishing in much worse league positions during our worst seasons.
Also why it’s not fair to use the “Schmeichel did it in less games” line.
I’m not saying De Gea is ‘the bigger legend’. That’s a big pointless to argue really, like most very similar comparisons.
As much as I appreciate De Gea, he's a great keeper and has easily been one of our standout players since being with us, this isn't really a contest.
Even without discussing number of trophies (which may be slightly unfair on De Gea as he's been surrounded by a lot of rubbish) Schmeichel stood out in that older squad, even amongst a world class outfield team. The guy was unbeatable and I assume worthy of being discussed among the all-time greats. It is to the extent that people are willing to forgive the whole City nonsense - it shows how much United fans absolutely love him.
I think we'd struggle to find somebody who thinks De Gea is a bigger legend, unless they are quite young and have no memory of Big Pete being a current player.
Even without discussing number of trophies (which may be slightly unfair on De Gea as he's been surrounded by a lot of rubbish) Schmeichel stood out in that older squad, even amongst a world class outfield team. The guy was unbeatable and I assume worthy of being discussed among the all-time greats. It is to the extent that people are willing to forgive the whole City nonsense - it shows how much United fans absolutely love him.
I think we'd struggle to find somebody who thinks De Gea is a bigger legend, unless they are quite young and have no memory of Big Pete being a current player.
I don't remember that incident, but his City spell needs to be treated like a once funny comedian's retirement tour.
City were zero threat to us, and he was pushing 40.
The Ince one was much more annoying to me. But then we turfed him out, he didn't want to go, so why should he turn down what was probably a great offer at a big club?
Nah, you have to win trophies and play at your best consistently while doing so to earn legend status.
This thread 
No chance but what is hindering DDG is that his best years in performances were marred by an underperforming team. It's actually the extent of how bad United were that extrapolated the extent of his quality when I'm his best form. If United perhaps had a league title and a few cups behind his tenure then he'd be held in a higher regard for me. Van Der Sar and Peter are a level above for the intangibles leaders and personality's.
How old are you? Because you clearly never watched Manchester United in the 1990’s
Never in a million years is Peter Schmeichel overrated. Not in any universe. I genuinely dont believe anyone who watched even 45 minutes of him would consider him overrated. Never has a goalkeepers strengths been so obviously missed in a team than when he wasnt on the field.
Not only was he great with his feet in an era where you didnt even need to be, not only was he incredible at catching a ball in mid-air, spreading himself like a giant and being athletic, but when he caught the ball, every one of our attackers immediately put the burners on. His ability to pick a player out was outstanding in our style.
No excuse for the recency bias either you can easily watch games from the 90's on youtube, i mean dude was a 15 stone brick wall yet still had the reflexes to quickly dive down and get back up again hes in the conversation for the greatest keepers of all time nevermind United legend.
That isn't fair though, because swap Pete and DDG around in each team and it would be reversed.
But yeah, Schmeichel is the greatest GK to ever play for United, and prime for prime, is probably the best GK in PL history.
PS ruined his legend status for me cartwheeling about in City colours - VDS was a better keeper.
Big Pete had a 5 year spell starting from around 1992 where he was the best goalkeeper in the world. I think de Gea has had flashes of that sort of brilliance but Peter had a level of genius about him that is the sort of thing you end up taking for granted.
He has the trophies to back it up as well, including at international level where he dragged Denmark to a Euro's win. His performance in the final was something else.
He has the trophies to back it up as well, including at international level where he dragged Denmark to a Euro's win. His performance in the final was something else.
Can't have watched him is the oldest and most boring caf-retort. I'm sure Roy Keane didn't watch him either then yet hes saying the same thing (not that it influences my opinion).
Schmeichel was the keeper I loved, adored and emulated growing up, but I've since changed my mind on him. Not from best to shite, don't get me wrong, but from best to just very good.
Outrageous saves, important saves, but a lot more blunders and self-imposed trouble than I remember.
But I repeat, its his perceived image as some sort of unbeatable higher power I'm not in agreement with, I'm not saying he was shite.
Schmeichel was the keeper I loved, adored and emulated growing up, but I've since changed my mind on him. Not from best to shite, don't get me wrong, but from best to just very good.
Outrageous saves, important saves, but a lot more blunders and self-imposed trouble than I remember.
That's the thing though, YT also lets you go back and find the not-so-glorious moments as well. You can see how his overzealous nature puts him in a lot more trouble than necessary on a regular basis. Him and De Gea are polar opposites in that regard, where the latter puts himself at a disadvantage through often complete lack of aggressiveness.
But I repeat, its his perceived image as some sort of unbeatable higher power I'm not in agreement with, I'm not saying he was shite.
Pete benefited from playing in an era bereft of the modern gobshite internet fan
Yeah it’s a shame his peak has been the last decade. He’s had some horrible mistakes that have cost us too four multiple times but none of the other keepers were put in miserable teams like his
still Id have Van Der Sar above him. He was a glorious goalkeeper and the complete package and a core part of one of our best defenses
I love DDG and I can’t think of another current goalie in the world that I’d want to swap him for…. However, when Schmichel and VdS played for us, they both gave me that “solid as a rock” feeling, very very few goals would get scored against us because of a goalkeeping error… can’t always say that for David unfortunately, but like I said, I wouldn’t replace him.
Imagine Thatcher becoming a labour MP after been a conservative PM
I can't look past Pete playing for city, am not knocking what he did for us but I think his status is diluted a bit.
Also is the thread asking which of the two is better or a bigger legend because the responses seem to be arguing the former.
I can't look past Pete playing for city, am not knocking what he did for us but I think his status is diluted a bit.
Also is the thread asking which of the two is better or a bigger legend because the responses seem to be arguing the former.
Got to say I've always struggled to look past Sir Matt being Liverpool captain and Denis Law scoring goals for City too. Same goes for Andy Cole, felt filthy singing his name for what felt like hours on end in Barcelona last week.
Sure DDG was flirting with a move to Madrid until the fax scandals but in the end he stayed even during our worst years which coincidentally happened at the same time as his best years. Schmeichel joined City. So ultimately for me it doesn't matter what they said, it's what happened that matters. Schmeichel is more decorated but the fact that he played for City made him not so much of a United legend.
I don’t really care much about the debate as to who is a bigger legend.. whatever that even means.
I can say Schmeichel was a better winner and I have more fond memories attached to him than I do De Gea from a success standpoint.
Hopefully De Gea can begin to change that.
I can say Schmeichel was a better winner and I have more fond memories attached to him than I do De Gea from a success standpoint.
Hopefully De Gea can begin to change that.