Manchester United's rolling revolution, which has seen key individuals such as Paul Ince, Eric Cantona, Steve Bruce and Gary Pallister leave in recent seasons, continued yesterday with Peter Schmeichel's announcement that he would be departing Old Trafford at the end of this season.

Schmeichel, 35 next Wednesday, said: "I need more time between games than I can get in England. I need to train more than I have ever had to in order to prepare myself properly - and I certainly need more than 12 days' summer holiday."

A niggling back injury that caused Schmeichel to miss two Premiership games last month seems to have been a factor in the decision to leave United - and English football - the Dane referring to limited recovery periods when he said: "Unfortunately the demands of the game here mean that I cannot get the time that I need, which is something I truly regret."

There has been speculation linking Schmeichel with the physically less demanding French League, but the 6ft 4in goalkeeper said his future after Old Trafford was uncertain and that he would be focusing single-mindedly on the remainder of his time at the club. "It is important that I'm now allowed to concentrate totally on playing for United," he said. "I have had a fantastic career with United and I owe it to them to finish on a successful note."

Even if United end this season empty-handed, Schmeichel has been part of 12 major trophies and manager Alex Ferguson acknowledged the significance of his contribution. "Peter has been a model professional who has inspired and influenced everyone. It is his professional attitude that has led him to make this decision and whilst I know it has been difficult, I respect and fully support him."

Mark Bosnich, available on a Bosman-free from Aston Villa next June, and a former United player, is said to be Ferguson's preferred choice as Schmeichel's successor, although there may be some competition from Roma for the Australian's services. Another possible target, Ipswich Town's Richard Wright, is thought to be too young while Mark Schwarzer signed a new five-year contract at Middlesbrough last week.

Schmeichel, signed from Brondby in August 1991 for £550,000, is arguably Ferguson's best pound-for-pound buy in the his 12 years in charge at Old Trafford. Schmeichel has played a decisive role in all of the Premiership, FA and League Cup triumphs in the past six seasons. For example, during United's 1995-96 Double-winning season, he kept 22 clean sheets in 43 league and Cup appearances. That was when Ferguson said Schmeichel was at the peak of his powers, 10 of those lock-outs coming in the last 13 Premiership games when Manchester overhauled Newcastle United.

Schmeichel's immense presence has inspired those in front of him, intimidated opposing supporters and annoyed opposition supporters. He was named Player of the Tournament when Denmark won the 1992 European Championship, but while his international career continues, Schmeichel has accepted his United one is ending. "I will become another forgotten player." he said, "Just like Eric Cantona. Gary Neville once said this is a cynical club and that's true. Great players like Bryan Robson, Steve Bruce and Mark Hughes come through, then they disappear." The revolution moves on.