'The most important in that team' - Schmeichel on Man Utd's building blocks

'The most important in that team' - Schmeichel on Man Utd's building blocks
Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire applaud fans
[Getty Images]

Captain Bruno Fernandes and defender Harry Maguire are the "most important" players in the Manchester United team, says former goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel.

Both players will be hoping they can help lead the side to Europa League glory on Wednesday night when they face Tottenham in Bilbao.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast, Schmeichel said: "You have got Harry Maguire and you have got Bruno Fernandes, and they are the two leaders of that team.

"Bruno is probably the one player who can take some personal pride from his performance this year. He has been trying his very, very best. It has been really difficult for him, his brain works on a different frequency than most other players and he has not had a lot of players who have been on that wavelength with him.

"He gets criticised for some of his body language and the way he reacts on the pitch, but for me it just shows you that he really, really cares. For a Manchester United fan and former player, that really means something. It is not just somebody sat there going through the motions, earning a wage and just being happy playing for Manchester United, he truly cares.

"He wants to win and I'm so happy he is there because he is someone you can start building the new Manchester United around. The same goes for Harry. He has earned a new contract. Only a year ago he was told by the coach he was number five in line, but he has always been for me the absolute best defender in that squad.

"He might not be the prettiest player on the planet, but he is clever, he defends, he does it in style. As a goalkeeper behind, you don't have to worry about him. He has always been a leader and those two players are the most important in that team."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds