Van der Sar silent on Man Utd successor De Gea

Edwin van der Sar has refused to comment on deal for David De Gea.

United have chosen the 20 year-old goalkeeper to succeed the retiring 40 year-old Van der Sar.

The Independent says De Gea is the big gamble.

Van der Sar declined to pass comment on his successor on Saturday evening, though Sir Alex believes he is right to put his faith in the 20-year-old.

Ajax hand farewell game to Man Utd keeper Van der Sar

Ajax are offering Man Utd's retired goalkeeper  Edwin van der Sar a farewell game.

The testimonial is scheduled for Wednesday, August 3 to be played in the Amsterdam ArenA.

Van der Sar spent eight years at Ajax from 1991 to 1999.

He won the Champions League in 1995 with the Dutch club.

van der Sar: Losing makes me more determined

Edwin van der Sar has revealed that losing has made him a far more determined player.

Ahead of this weekend’s Champions League final against Barcelona, the veteran Dutchman said that negative performances always stay with you whereas victories are quickly forgotten.

"You do think more about things you lose than what you win," he said.

"When you have won, your medal goes into the cupboard or the safe in the bank.

"But when you lose, you know something has slipped through your fingers. It makes you more determined.

"If we win I won't want to go home. If I lose I won't want to leave home.

"Maybe it sounds strange but I just wouldn't want to see anyone."

van der Sar added that the United squad will prepare for Barcelona just as they would for any other opponent.

"You hope to bring your 'A' game to a final," he added. "For that you need everything, saves, communication skills, experience and motivation skills.

"It must all go together to make sure you defend well.

"In that sense, preparation is the same as if you were playing Wigan. The difference is in the intensity because nothing beats this game."

Ferguson: Retirement the right choice for van der Sar

Sir Alex Ferguson says goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar is right to finish his playing days at the end of the season.

The 40-year old Dutchman will call time on an extensive and hugely successful career when the current campaign is completed and despite some calls from outsiders for him to continue, his boss feels it is the right time for the decision.

"If I was giving advice to Edwin van der Sar, right now, I would say retire," said the United manager.

"He is at the absolute pinnacle of his career but sometimes, when a player gets to that age, age comes onto you very suddenly.

"I wouldn't want to see Edwin van der Sar in that situation. He deserves to go out at the very top and hopefully he does that.

"His career has been absolutely fantastic.

"It is not just what he does on the football field. It is how he has handled himself as a professional and a human being.

"He is absolutely outstanding. In our dressing room at half-time and before games, he is absolutely fantastic.

"My advice to him is that this is the time. There is no reason for him to risk another year and maybe drop below his standard."

Van der Sar fed-up with retirement questions

Edwin van der Sar is growing tired about questions over his retirement.

Van der Sar, 40, admitted he had become annoyed at being asked whether he would change his mind about quitting.

“I’ve just got sick and tired of the question,” he said.

“Maybe it would have been better not to have announced my retirement and, after the last game, say ‘OK, that’s it’. That probably would have been better.

“It would be nice to finish my career at Wembley winning the Champions League, yeah.

“It’s a better place to bow out than, say, against a lesser team in the league with nothing to play for. But first we have to overcome Schalke in the return leg and hopefully put on a performance for our fans also.”

Sir Alex Ferguson reveals Manchester United were inspired by Edwin van der Sar half-time team talk against Everton

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that veteran goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar stood up and motivated Manchester United’ players during the half-time break in Saturday’s fixture with Everton.

All square at the interval, United’s shot stopper motivated his team-mates brilliantly according to his boss, who admits he can only hope that replacing the Dutch 'keeper is not an impossible task. 

The United boss told the club’s official website of Van der Sar’s inspirational half-time role: "To hear him at half-time in the Everton game was absolutely wonderful.

"The way he motivated the players was really good to listen to.

"Edwin van der Sar is one of the best and I hope it's not impossible to replace him."

Van der Sar played a huge role in the outcome as United picked up a late 1-0 victory but owed a debt of gratitude to their 'keeper after he made a stunning save from a deflected Jack Rodwell strike in the second-half - a save Ferguson was quick to praise.

"Edwin made a fantastic save, an absolutely brilliant save, especially as it took a little deflection," added the long-standing manager.

De Boer would love to bring Man Utd keeper Van der Sar back to Ajax

Ajax coach Frank de Boer would love to bring Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar back to the club.

De Boer would like to add Van der Sar to his coaching staff next season.

"We have to bring back our legends," said De Boer. "So we will have to see if we can create a job for him.

"The man is among the best sportsman and also a wonderful person. Edwin can always be of use for Ajax."

van der Sar to remain at Man Utd in off-field role! Good news!

Edwin van der Sar may move into an off-field role when he retires from playing at the end of the season.

The 40-year old Dutchman will close the curtain on an exceptional career when the 2010/11 campaign finishes but insists he will not yet return to former club Ajax Amsterdam despite promising he would.

“I'm not going back to Amsterdam, though it would be very comfortable there with Frank de Boer, Danny Blind and Dennis Bergkamp," said Van der Sar of his former Ajax team-mates,” he told Dutch magazine Life After Football.

"When I left 12 years ago, I said I would return, but I did not know then what great years I would have with Manchester United.

"I might occasionally visit training with them, but I will not be going regularly.

“It may be that I'm going to give Manchester United clinics in Asia, where the club is very popular, or something in commerce," he added.

"I think this is interesting. I have already held some talks."

Only one person can persuade Edwin van der Sar to stay with Man Utd. It's Joe!

Joe van der Sar could be key to Dad Edwin staying on with Manchester United.

A goalkeeper like his Dad, Joe is currently catching the eye for United's U12 team and trains at Carrington.

United manager Sir Alex revealed: "He’s going to take a break from football and then come back here to live because his son’s schooling is here. That means there are possibilities for us in terms of coaching perhaps.

“He’s had a long period in the game and he’s coming up for 41 and he wants to spend some time with his wife because she’s had a tough couple of years.

“He’s not playing on and I haven’t spoken to him about changing his mind because he has his plans and I respect that. He’s marvelous, a fantastic man.”

Ferguson: I cannot change Van der Sar mind

Sir Alex Ferguson admits there's no changing the mind of retiring goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar.

There have been claims that the golden oldie Dutch keeper might do that and play on next season.

But Fergie dismissed any chance of that, although he revealed there might be the possibility of Van der Sar returning to the club one day, presumably in a coaching capacity or ambassadorial role.

The United boss said: “There is no chance of Edwin changing his mind – definitely not.

“He’s marvellous, absolutely brilliant and a fantastic man. But I haven’t spoken to him about ­changing his mind. He has got his plans for next year. He is taking a break and going back to Holland, where he has a new house and he
is going to do a bit of work there.

“Then he is going to return here for September, when his son starts school in Wilmslow. I think that is his plan. He is going to take a break from football, then come back in.

“I believe he is planning to live in England because his son’s schooling is here.

“There are possibilities there for us – but first he is taking a break. He hasn’t made his mind up about what to do after that.

“He has had a long period in the game and is coming up to 41.

“He wants to spend some time with his wife, because she has had a tough couple of years.”

Ferguson wants Van der Sar to drop retirement plans

Sir Alex Ferguson is trying to convince Edwin van der Sar to reverse his retirement decision.

The People says the 40-year-old Dutchman intends to hang up his gloves this summer, but he has been so outstanding again this term that Fergie desperately wants him to stay.

The United boss, who has spent the past two campaigns scouring the continent for a long-term successor to his No.1, is offering van der Sar a reduced workload in a desperate bid to change his mind.

Like this season, he will be rested for FA Cup and League Cup matches, and next season Fergie hopes to tempt him by letting him put his feet up for the Champions League group stage as well.

van de Sar announced his retirement.

Edwin van de Sar says he could have played on next season.

The Dutchman has announced his retirement today.

Van der Sar maintains he is still as fit and able as ever, and that an ageing body has not forced him to leave the games on terms other than his own.

"One minute you're out. The next, you question it again. I thought about stopping, maybe a year ago," said Van der Sar.

"After a defeat, I thought differently than after playing a few good games in a row.

"My age played no role. I am 40 years old, but I still feel fit.

"And then the decision came suddenly. Do not ask me how or why, but suddenly you know. That was sufficient.

"The time has come to devote greater attention to my family - although they have never complained. Everyone in the family has indeed always had to focus on me, but we have also had a lot in return."

Van der Sar rules out immediate coaching role

Edwin van der Sar won't jump straight into coaching once he hangs up the gloves.

Van der Sar, 40, has confided to his team-mates he will retire at the end of this season, says The Sun.

He said: "I will hopefully not start coaching too quickly.

"I will try to have 18 months or two years for myself - and I've a family to do nice things with too.

"I think about 80 per cent of players who played in football are saying that."

Van der Sar Jr signs for Man Utd

The son of goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has signed for the club.

Now there are two Van der Sars on ­Manchester United’s books.

Edwin keeps goal for the first team while son Joe is in the U12s.

Dad Van der Sar said: “Joe used to be an outfield player, but switched to keeper. That’s not necessarily a bad thing.”

Edwin van der Sar to retire at season's end.

Sir Alex Ferguson has declared he expects Edwin van der Sar to retire at season's end.

The Dutchman celebrated his 40th birthday earlier this year yet, apart from one mistake against West Brom in October, has still been performing to his usual high standards.

But Ferguson feels this campaign will be his last.

"We are planning for this being his last season," he said.

Given his vast experience, Van der Sar is bound to be an attractive proposition as a coach, although Ferguson admitted talks are still to take place on the matter.

"We have not discussed it," he said.

"But Edwin is a player who would be of interest in terms of his knowledge and standing in the game."

Ferguson wants Van der Sar to remain involved with Man Utd

Sir Alex Ferguson hopes to keep Edwin van der Sar involved once he retires.

The Sun says Fergie will sit down with Manchester United's Dutch keeper after Christmas to discuss keeping him on.

Van der Sar, 40, is set to quit after the current campaign but boss Fergie is keen to put his wealth of experience to good use.

It is believed the stopper's wife Annemarie, who suffered a brain haemorrhage more than a year ago, would like to move back to Holland.

United would prefer to hand Van der Sar a coaching role - but not affecting goalkeeping coach Eric Steele's position - although a key scouting and ambassadorial position is likelier.

Man Utd remains in the hunt for new GK to replace van der Sar, Lindegaard is for the future.

Manchester United remains in the hunt for a new goalkeeper to replace Edwin van der Sar – despite forking out £3.5million for Anders Lindegaard.

The Dane, 26, has been snapped up from Norwegian club Aalesunds but is being described by Sir Alex Ferguson as one for the future.

With Old Trafford veteran Van der Sar retiring at the end of the season, United are ready to step up their chase for their top target, Atletico Madrid’s David De Gea, 20.

Tomasz Kuszczak would then either move on or drop down the pecking order.

Van der Sar could remain at Old Trafford – but it would be in a consultancy capacity on the goalkeeping front.

Fergie said: “Anders is one of the brightest young keepers in the game.

“The challenge at Manchester United is always to look to the future and in Anders, we have signed a goalkeeper of great presence and even more promise.

“I think it is Edwin’s last season. We had a chat last year about how we saw the future. It’s difficult for goalkeepers when they get to 40.

“It happened with Peter Shilton – I always remember that all of a sudden he collapsed. I don’t think Edwin would want that – he’s such a proud man.

“I don’t know what his plans are but, if he was going to stay on, it would be as a consultant.”

And on the goalkeeping situation at United, Ferguson added: “We are looking at a lot of things at the moment.”

Also in the frame to take over are Germany’s Manuel Neuer, 24, at Schalke and Ajax and Holland keeper Maarten Stekelenburg, 28.

Shay Given is also being linked with United but agreeing a deal with neighbours Manchester City would be difficult.

De Gea is the most-wanted keeper in Europe. He has a buy-out clause in his contract of £35m but a more-realistic fee is likely to be £20m.

Fergie, meanwhile, will field a strong team at West Ham on Tuesday in the Carling Cup.

He said: “I might play Rooney and then there will be players like Smalling, Evans, Fabio, Gibson, Anderson, Berbatov, Obertan and Macheda.”

Michael Owen still isn’t ready to return from his hamstring injury – but is expected to be back before Christmas.

But Ferguson insisted Owen is “definitely not going” to another club in January.

Van der Sar missus wants him to return to Holland at the end of the season

The wife of Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar wants him to return to Holland at the end of the season.

The People says Van der Sar is being pushed by his missus Annemarie to leave Manchester United and go home to Holland in the summer.

And Mrs VDS seems to be winning as the United keeper is set to hang up his gloves at Old Trafford next year and move into his plush £20million mansion.

Van der Sar has a clause in his contract guaranteeing him another season if he plays 30 games, but his wife wants him to call it a day in England sooner than that.

Annemarie has recovered from a stroke-like illness and wants her family to settle down in their new purpose-built home in Holland – and her husband is ready to do just that.

Van der Sar insists he won't retire but Man Utd hope he WILL retire

Edwin van der Sar has rubbished suggestions he has decided to retire at the end of the season.

But Van der Sar, 39, insisted that is not the case, telling www.sport-promotion.nl: 'That's complete nonsense. I do not know where this story comes from but it is nonsense.

'I don't yet know whether I will stop or continue after this season. Only in the course of this season will I think about it. Then I will decide and not before. For now I keep my focus on United.'

Yet, Manchester United goalkeeping coach Eric Steele is confident Edwin van der Sar will retire at the end of the season.

Steele is of firm belief that the 39-year old former Holland international will end it all when the 2010/11 season comes to a close but says he would love to do it with the one trophy that has eluded him so far – the FA Cup.

“I think Ed has made his mind up and said this is his last year," Steele told the Manchester Evening News. "He is a good pro and a sensible and highly intelligent guy who will know when the time is right. I don't think he will need myself or the manager to tell him that time has come. He will know.

"But if he gets to Christmas and he thinks it is right to go on and the manager thinks it is right, we will make a decision.

"It is down to how he feels and performs. If he doesn't perform the manager will make the decision. Edwin will as well.

"He hasn't won it (the FA Cup) and that is a big target for him," added Steele.

"When we rotate our goalkeepers I think you will see Mr Van der Sar knocking on the door and asking the boss to play in the FA Cup."

Interview with Edwin van der Sar: Relying on rookies to prolong his career

To Edwin van der Sar, Fergie’s new fledglings might just as well be from another planet. But the old Dutch master is relying on them to both prolong his career and bring back the title to Old Trafford.

With many of Manchester United’s top stars missing - because of post-World Cup holidays and injuries - rookies like Danny Welbeck, Jonny Evans, Darron Gibson and Federico Macheda are grabbing the attention on their pre-season tour of North America.

But the veteran keeper, who turns 40 in October, confesses to being totally baffled by the new crop of youngsters. Their musical tastes, lifestyles and general banter are alien to him.

He admitted: “I am the oldest player in the squad and some of the players are less than half my age, so that is a bit weird at times.

“They talk about things I have never heard. They play different music - music I don’t recognise. But this is good because it helps me stay young. And they can hopefully help us get the title back from Chelsea.”

Van der Sar continues to defy the years with agility, athleticism and an undimmed appetite for the game.

But he is shocked he is still with the Reds after almost six years.

He revealed: “I arrived when I was 34 and I thought that I would be here for two years and then maybe do something else.

“I wanted to try to win the league title and end my career maybe with Ajax and then call it a day.

“But at the moment I’m still going.

“At a certain age you are happy that you can still do this great job. People have kept on asking me the same question for the last four years: when will I finish.

“Two years ago people were saying I’d soon be 40 and it was coming closer and closer, but I still feel good.

“I watch what I eat and drink, and training is good. I’m quite fortunate in not having that many long-term injuries like knee ligaments and that kind of thing.

“I’ve been lucky.

“Mentally, I still want to do it. I still want to be there. I still have the hunger and the appetite to stay at the top.”

Under Van der Sar’s stewardship, the United defence has been the most miserly in the top flight for the past three seasons – but he can’t go on forever. When he finally hangs up his gloves, like Peter Schmeichel before him, he will be a virtually-impossible act to follow.

He said: “At this stage of my career I’m not looking ahead. Sir Alex Ferguson is letting me make the decision on what I want to do.

“There is a dialogue between me and him and the club. I don’t want it to get ridiculous carrying on, but when the time comes I will know.

“And I will only tell one person first - the manager.

“I wouldn’t say there hasn’t been a strong deputy here.

“Both the keepers – Ben Foster and Tomasz Kuszczak – played a number of games last season when I was out.

“But the others have to take their chances when they come in. Some have done - but some haven’t.”