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Goalkeepers are usually the unsung heroes of a team, but Peter Schmeichel changed all that in the 1990's. On many occasions during his Old Trafford career, Schmeichel was the man who won matches for Manchester United with his superb goalkeeping. Sir Alex Ferguson thinks he was as important as Eric Cantona for United's success during the decade.

When United played Newcastle in 1997, they were both riding high in the league. During the game the Dane made two world-class saves to keep the Magpies out. However, it was his first save that amazed the crowd and brought applause from both managers. The ball had been swung into the United box by Stuart Pearce and met at point blank range by a perfect John Barnes header. Despite being less than a metre away and wrong footed, Schmeichel arched his back, flung himself towards the ball and clawed it past the post in a split second.

Andy Cole later broke up field and scored the winner for United. Although this was just one of many incredible saves in Schmeichel's career, it displayed the reactions, strength and agility that made him the world's best goalkeeper. It was also voted the Save of the Decade in the FA Premier League 10 Seasons Awards. Schmeichel also got second place for a save against Liverpool in 1992.