Edwin Van der Sar set to retire
Manchester United goalkeeping coach Eric Steele has revealed his belief that Edwin Van der Sar is set to retire at the end of the season.
Van der Sar is set to turn 40 later this month and has been a constant presence in the United first-team since moving from English Premier League rivals Fulham five years ago. Though Steele is convinced that the former Holland international is ready to quit,
he believes that the keeper could decide to keep playing in a bid to win the FA Cup, the only domestic trophy he has not won.
Steele told the Manchester Evening News that: "I think Ed has made his mind up and said this is his last year. He is a good pro and a sensible and intelligent guy. I don't think he will need myself or the manager to tell him that time has come."
The coach added that if Van der Sar wants to continue in the role and continues to perform well, then Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson would consider retaining the player.
'FA Cup a big target'
Steele said that: "If he gets to Christmas and he thinks it is right to go on and the manager [Sir Alex Ferguson] thinks it is right we will make a decision. He hasn't won it [the FA Cup] and that is a big target for him. 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. It is down to how he feels and performs. If he doesn't perform the manager will make the decision. Edwin will as well."
Several big names have been suggested as a potential new number one for the EPL giants when Van der Sar retires. They include Juventus’ Gianluigi Buffon, Martin Stekelenburg of Ajax and Sunderland’s Craig Gordon.
Tags: