Rasmus Højlund, Manchester United’s young Danish striker, has shed light on his burgeoning relationship with club legend Peter Schmeichel, revealing the emotional support and guidance the iconic goalkeeper has offered during a challenging season. The pair’s connection, rooted in their shared heritage and United legacy, came into focus after a viral video captured a poignant heart-to-heart moment between them outside Old Trafford following a 1-1 draw with Arsenal earlier this month.
Højlund, who joined United from Atalanta in 2023 for £72 million, has endured a rollercoaster second season at the club. After a promising debut campaign where he netted 16 goals, the 22-year-old struggled with a 21-match goal drought across all competitions, stretching from mid-December to March. The barren spell, coupled with intense scrutiny from fans and pundits, visibly weighed on the young forward—until he broke his duck with a clinical finish in United’s 3-0 win over Leicester City on March 16. It was shortly after the Arsenal draw, however, that Schmeichel, a five-time Premier League winner with United, stepped in with a timely show of solidarity.
The footage, which amassed millions of views on social media, showed a downbeat Højlund being consoled by Schmeichel near the stadium exit. The exchange struck a chord with supporters, many of whom praised the 61-year-old for mentoring a compatriot under pressure. Speaking to Danish outlet Tipsbladet while on international duty this week, Højlund elaborated on the encounter and the broader role Schmeichel has played in his United journey.
“Peter helps me occasionally and listens to how I’m feeling, both when things are going well and when things are going badly,” Højlund said. “I wouldn’t call him a father figure, but he helps a lot because he’s been through it before. He knows what it means to play for Manchester United as a Dane. It’s nice to have someone to spar with on that front.”
Schmeichel, who made nearly 400 appearances for United during the club’s golden era under Sir Alex Ferguson, is no stranger to the weight of expectation at Old Trafford. His own storied career—including the 1999 Treble triumph—offers a unique perspective for Højlund, who has faced criticism for his inconsistent form under new manager Rúben Amorim. The goalkeeper-turned-pundit has been a vocal supporter of the striker, previously praising his potential and urging teammates to provide better service during his early struggles in 2023.
The heart-to-heart after the Arsenal match wasn’t a one-off. Højlund has leaned on Schmeichel’s wisdom since arriving in Manchester, a bond that began even before his transfer. In August 2023, shortly after signing, Højlund told club media, “He’s a legend of the game in Denmark. He’s the best goalkeeper we’ve had in the history of the Danish national team. I’ve spoken with him about Manchester a few times. He’s a good guy—a tough guy, but a good guy.” That initial respect has since deepened into a mentorship, with Schmeichel offering an empathetic ear during Højlund’s darkest moments.
The timing of their post-Arsenal conversation was particularly significant. Højlund had been relegated to a 14-minute cameo in the match, managing just one off-target shot as his goal drought stretched to 20 games. The visible frustration prompted Schmeichel to step in, a gesture Højlund later acknowledged as a lifeline amid mounting pressure—including from co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who reportedly questioned the club’s investment in the young Dane.
Schmeichel’s support extends beyond words. In February 2024, he revealed a pre-match text exchange before United’s 2-1 win over Luton Town, where Højlund confidently predicted he’d score—delivering a brace hours later. “I texted him, ‘It’s a different stadium, enjoy it and don’t forget to score,’” Schmeichel told Premier League Productions. “He replied, ‘I am going to do both.’” That confidence, briefly lost this season, appears to be returning, with Schmeichel’s encouragement playing a quiet but pivotal role.
For Højlund, the relationship is about more than just football. It’s a cultural bridge—two Danes navigating the highs and lows of life at one of the world’s biggest clubs. “It’s also a bit about finding your own path,” Højlund added, noting he’s also willing to pay it forward by supporting younger teammates like Patrick Dorgu and Chido Obi-Martin. Yet, it’s Schmeichel’s experience that provides a steadying hand, a reminder that even legends faced their own trials.