Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards in hysterics at Peter Schmeichel's Man Utd answer

Peter Schmeichel left Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards in hysterics by insisting that Manchester United could win the Champions League this season.

The Champions League last-16 legs kicked off on Tuesday night, with Manchester City thrashing Sporting Lisbon 5-0 in Portugal and Paris Saint-Germain beating Real Madrid 1-0 .

United were busy in the Premier League, picking up a vital 2-0 win over Brighton at Old Trafford in their game in hand.

But Ralf Rangnick’s side will turn their attention to the Champions League knockout stages next week, when they travel to face Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their last-16 tie.

United made it through the group stage by finishing top of Group F, despite only winning half of their matches against Villarreal, Young Boys and Atalanta.

They would be viewed as rank outsiders to win the competition by most, but former United goalkeeper Schmeichel is in no doubt about their credentials.

Appearing as a guest on American broadcaster CBS’ Champions League coverage last night, he was asked by Richards: “Peter, do you honestly believe that Manchester United can win the Champions League? Be honest with me now, no messing around.”

After a long pause, he replied emphatically: “Yes. What kind of a question is that?”

Following a big laugh from the studio, which also included Thierry Henry, Carragher responded: “What kind of an answer is that?”

According to the bookies, United are currently seventh favourites to win the competition, behind Man City, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, PSG, Chelsea and Ajax.

And Schmeichel’s confidence in his former club is particularly brave, considering United’s recent run of results under Rangnick.

Tuesday night’s win over Brighton followed consecutive 1-1