Old Trafford finds itself once again at the center of controversy, and this time it is none other than Peter Schmeichel—arguably one of the greatest figures in Manchester United’s history—who has voiced his anger at the club’s current state of affairs. The former goalkeeper, a cornerstone of United’s glory years, has launched a scathing attack on the leadership at the top, openly questioning the direction of decision-making that has led the team into its ongoing decline.
Schmeichel’s strongest criticism was reserved for the recent handling of player transfers. In particular, he expressed disbelief over the club’s choice to let Rasmus Højlund leave while continuing to shield Bruno Fernandes, a player many fans believe has become symbolic of the problems plaguing the team. According to the Dane, the decision simply defies logic. He argued that Højlund, if given time and support, could have already established himself as a reliable goal scorer for United this season. Instead, the young striker has been allowed to flourish elsewhere, further highlighting the board’s inability to manage talent effectively.
For Schmeichel, the striker was never the real issue. He insisted the true problem lies in the structure of the side and, more pointedly, in the influence wielded by senior players—most notably Fernandes. The captain, in Schmeichel’s view, has done more harm than good, steering the team away from cohesion and consistency. By continuing to protect Fernandes while discarding a promising talent like Højlund, the club has once again made a decision that feels backward and short-sighted.
These remarks come at a particularly awkward moment for Manchester United. Højlund, now settled at his new club, has been in red-hot form, scoring goals regularly and proving exactly why he was once considered one of Europe’s brightest young forwards. Meanwhile, United’s struggles show no sign of easing, with results on the pitch reflecting the chaos behind the scenes. The contrast between the flourishing striker and his former club’s faltering attack has only fueled anger among supporters.
Unsurprisingly, fans have rallied behind Schmeichel’s blunt assessment. On social media, frustration poured out, with many echoing his sentiment that the club had sacrificed its future while continuing to cling to a player they view as part of the problem. One supporter’s message captured the mood perfectly: “We lost our future and kept the problem in midfield.”
For manager Ruben Amorim, already under scrutiny as he battles to steady an unconvincing squad, Schmeichel’s intervention adds yet another layer of pressure. Supporters see this as yet another familiar mistake—United letting go of promising talent only to watch it thrive elsewhere, while the team at Old Trafford continues to stumble. For many, it feels like a painful repetition of history, one that only deepens the sense of despair surrounding the club.
