But he has set his sights on managing the Old Trafford club in the future.

"I would like to have that job," he said.

"I would like to go into management at a later stage in my life and obviously I have always set myself targets.

"That is the biggest job in football, so that is the one I am going to go after.

"I wouldn't like to be anywhere near that job for the first 10 or 15 years. I would also like to manage my country so those are the ambitions I will have after my playing days.

"It takes a very, very special character to manage Manchester United and to follow Alex Ferguson takes an even more special character.

"Eric Cantona could be that character but I am not sure if he wants it."

Schmeichel also believes that Ferguson, who will retire as United boss at the end of next season, is still the driving force behind the club.

"He wants to win every game he takes part in and he puts that over to the players. He is the driving force.

"He still has the hunger."