Manchester United great Peter Schmeichel has vowed to begin following the career of England rugby full-back Mike Brown – starting with Sunday’s RBS 6 Nations clash with Wales.

Southampton-born Brown revealed that his spectacular diving save in last month’s 13-10 victory over Ireland, in which he plucked a kick from Brian O’Driscoll out of the air, was inspired by Schmeichel.

It was an incredible feat of athleticism honed during a pre-match drill the 28-year-old, a United fan, performs alongside Harlequins team-mate Danny Care.

Alerted to his role in one of the highlights of the Six Nations to date, Schmeichel released a video message to ex Peter Symonds College student Brown.

Schmeichel said: “Hi Mike, I see that the save you made in the Six Nations match against Ireland you credited to me. I’m very proud of that.

“It’s great that you’re a Manchester United fan and that you’ve followed my career. I’m going to follow your career from now.

“It’s also great that you and Danny have been practicing this. Teamwork – that’s the way forward. And you have the belief to bring it into these important matches.

“Good luck against Wales, I’m going to keep an eye on that match to see if you produce another great save. I’ll see you around.”