Schmeichel: Euro winners will need a moment of magic
Former United and Denmark great Peter Schmeichel says final will be decided by star quality and a bit of luck
You were at the Stade de Lyon to watch the first Euro 2016 semi-final between Portugal and Wales. What do you think of it?
SCHMEICHEL: To be honest, it was quite a disappointing match.
I think the fact that Aaron Ramsey (suspended) didn't play took a big chunk out of Wales' game.
Wales looked like they didn't have any energy left.
Portugal did just enough to win, they will never stretch things.
Obviously, when you have someone like Cristiano Ronaldo who can score goals like the header, Wales were up against it from the start.
You won the European Championship with Denmark in 1992. Any advice to the finalists on how to win on Monday morning (Singapore time)?
It takes a lot more these days, because there are so many teams in it.
In 1992, there were only eight teams. Now, there are 24 teams, meaning the winners have to beat two more teams than we did to win it. It's a lot more difficult.
You need to play well, even though Portugal have proven that you don't have to play well to reach the final.
You need to have quality players who can change games with a moment of magic, and an incredible amount of luck as well.
When the ball hits the post, it has to go back out and not back in, you need those small margins on your side.
You have to say that Portugal really have a lot of margins on their side.
Three draws in the group stage and they still managed to get through in third place. They then had the easiest path to the final.
Do you see a little bit of Denmark 1992 in Wales during their run to the last four?
I saw similarities with not just Wales, but also Greece (2004) and Iceland (2016).
Wales got further than Iceland, but they have proven, top-class players - Aaron Ramsey of Arsenal, Gareth Bale of Real Madrid, and Wayne Hennessey is a Premier League goalkeeper with Crystal Palace.
They have players who play at the highest level.
Iceland don't, and some are playing in their own domestic league.
They came to France and showed the football world that if you stay as a team and have a plan and fight hard for one another, it can take you places. The Iceland story is a beautiful story.
I am also happy Wales went all the way to the semi-finals. I was sitting very close to the Wales fans yesterday. The Icelandic and the Welsh fans, they are the winners so far.
Let's talk about Man United. They were not so keen on Jose Mourinho when Sir Alex Ferguson left, but their opinon has obviously changed. How do you explain that?
I'm sure there were many reasons three years ago when United didn't think Mourinho was a good solution after Fergie left.
To me, he is the right choice now, because they need someone who can bring the club back to where they were, and he has a proven track record.
Of course, there're some flaws in his demeanour. But, after being sacked at Chelsea, he would have realised that he needs to manage people, and not be at war with people.
This year has taught him a lot. I think it will be a more humble and much, much better Mourinho we will see at Man United.
If he gets it right, he could stay at United for a very long time.
This is what Man United need, consistency and longevity.
Do you expect United to challenge for the league title next season?
They finished seventh, fourth and then fifth, so that hurts. But that also lowers my expectations.
As a fan, I won't necessarily say that we have to win the title.
I want to see different things, such as prospect and improvement.
If they finish third next season, that will be an improvement. That doesn't mean they have to win trophies.
How does it feel to see your son Kasper win the EPL title with Leicester City last season?
What Leicester did was fantastic. On a personal note, having my son in that team, it's one of the proudest moments in my life.
I am so happy that my son experienced something that really meant a lot to me when I was in that situation.
A new season is filled with new challenges. Now, Leicester have to juggle the Premier League, the Champions League and the cup competitions.
It was a nice two or three weeks as they celebrated their triumph. Now they have to look forward to the new season.
● Peter Schmeichel was speaking at Carlsberg's Play On Pitch final event, probably the best prize in the world. See more at http://Carlsberg.football
Get The New Paper on your phone with the free TNP app. Download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store now