10 Underwhelming Man Utd Signings Who Became Cult Heros

2. Peter Schmeichel

Such is the coverage of Scandinavian football in these parts, that unless one were to have scrutinised the Danish side in Euro 1988 or the Brondby team who reached the final of the 1991 UEFA Cup, they wouldn't have had much of an idea how good Peter Schmeichel was before his arrival at Old Trafford. A relative unknown outside of Scandinavia, even amongst members of the Manchester United squad, eyebrows were raised when Ferguson waived the opportunity to sign more established goalkeeper, when shelling out £505,000 for his services in 1991. Of course, the powerful 6ft 3in goalkeeper has seen been hailed as 'the bargain of the century' by the wise Scotsman, and was named as one of the '125 greatest living footballers' at the FIFA 100 celebrations. By his own admission, Ferguson spent six troubled years searching for a capable replacement for the big Dane when he decided to up sticks for Sporting Lisbon following the glorious treble-winning season in 1999. He made over 393 appearances for the Mancunian club, during a trophy-laden eight-year spell, and was heralded for his flexibility, cat-like reflexes and commandeering of his penalty area. From fingertip saves to bellowing words of 'encouragement' at his backline, he instantly gained cult status amongst the Manchester United faithful, and is still rightly regarded as a club hero - despite his decision to take in a season at their cross-city rivals three years after cartwheeling on the Nou Camp turf.