Peter Schmeichel has revealed he spoke to Manchester United players about the importance of the Old Trafford atmosphere after their Champions League comeback victory over AS Roma. Michael Carrick's side were two goals down within 18 minutes but completed a turnaround in the second half, with a Bruno Fernandes penalty and a Matheus Cunha brace in less than half an hour sealing the win. Cunha jumped into the crowd after scoring the winning goal.
Schmeichel's message to the players
The home supporters booed the players off at half-time but were applauding them at the final whistle. All of United's wins this season have come at home, and Schmeichel has urged the squad to treat Old Trafford as a weapon against opponents.
Speaking on CBS Sports, Schmeichel said: "Well, I've actually spoken to quite a few of the players, off camera of course, because we are quite close to the dressing room. And I've said to them, 'now you have experienced what one of these great European nights at Old Trafford is like - take that feeling with you'"
He added: "I also asked Michael Carrick 'how can you use this game, use this atmosphere at Old Trafford, how can you use that positively going forward?'"
Carrick's experience as a player
Schmeichel noted that Carrick's own playing experience at United means he understands the significance of the atmosphere. "And of course, his experience as a player here, he understands how important that can be. I think once they step onto the pitch the next time, they will think about that," he said.
"They will think 'I made that extra run, I went a little bit out of what I normally do and what happened was I got these guys around me going and I want to have that again - I want that atmosphere, I want to play in that, this is why I came to Manchester United.'"
Schmeichel concluded: "So I think this is going a long way to help the players understand how they can use the crowd and how Old Trafford can be absolutely an enemy to the opposition, if you like. I have to say, I give credit to the crowd today; they helped the team win this game."
Next test against Aston Villa
United have the chance to prove Tuesday's victory was not a one-off as they host Aston Villa this Sunday. Unai Emery's side are facing a second consecutive away game after losing 3-0 to Barcelona in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Villa have a good record against United when the matches take place in the Midlands, but they have not won at Old Trafford since September 2021. United have won the last six meetings between the two at Old Trafford.
Following their draw with Fulham this past weekend, a win for United would take them to just two points behind Villa. Matty Cash is unavailable for the game after picking up his fifth yellow card of the Premier League season last Saturday.
