When Mike Brown credited Peter Schmeichel for his eye-catching diving catch during England's 13-10 Six Nations victory over Ireland last month, the full-back could not have imagined that the former Manchester United goalkeeper would not only take note but also thank him personally – but this is exactly what the Dane has done.

Schmeichel posted a message to Brown, a boyhood United fan, via YouTube on Thursday in which he said: "Hi Mike, I've been keeping an eye on the media lately and I see that the save you made against Ireland, you've credited that to me. I'm very proud of that and it's great that you're a Manchester United fan and you've followed my career – I'm going to follow your career now.

"It's also great that you and Danny [Care] are practising this. That's the way forward, and you have the belief to bring these things forward in the important matches. Good luck against Wales [England's opponents at Twickenham on Sunday]. I'm going to keep an eye on that match and see if you produce another good save."

Via Twitter, Brown replied: "Can't believe I just received a video message from The Great Dane @Pschmeichel1 Thanks Peter! #legend #buzzing"