Edwin Van der Sar set to skipper Manchester United
Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar is set to be handed the captain’s arm band in his final league appearance for the club. Manchester United will take on Blackpool in their final game of the season at home, having secured the premier league trophy
following a draw against Blackburn in their last league outing.
The veteran Manchester United goalkeeper will hang his gloves after the Champions League final against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Barcelona-c38604, and despite all the insistence from various corners, he has made up his mind that this season is his last.
The Dutchman has been an ideal fit at Old Trafford since arriving six years ago. His success proved that Ferguson made a mistake not securing his services when Peter Schmeichel quit back in 1999 after the treble winning season.
The 40-year-old will lead the team out with the captain’s arm band, and it will be a fitting tribute to him as he will end his United career in the league by lifting the Premier League trophy.
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is all praise for his goalkeeper and said that the tall Dutchman has been fantastic for United.
"He has been fantastic. Absolutely sensational," said Ferguson. "Edwin's professionalism and dedication have been fabulous.
While commenting on Van der Sar’s resilience, Ferguson said that it is not easy for a goalkeeper at the age of 40 to keep diving around like he does. He added that the requirements of an outfield player and a goalkeeper are entirely different and he is amazed
that Van der Sar has been able to maintain his standards till now.
"A goalkeeper's training is completely different from an outfield player. It involves diving about the goalmouth all the time, saving shots and blocks. It is hard to imagine a normal person being able to do that when they were over 40. But he is special.
He has something inside him," added Ferguson.
Sir Alex said that some players have a winner mentality and that is what enables them to keep performing at the highest level.
Edwin Van der Sar has won four Premier League titles since joining Manchester United and he will take guard in goal against Barcelona in his 5th European final. He has won one as captain for Ajax and later with United in 2008. If he manages to
win the final, it will be his 3rd European crown which is the most for any goalkeeper.
When Peter Schmeichel left Manchester United, Sir Alex was left with a big void to fill. United boss tried several keepers but did not succeed in finding an able replacement for the next six years. Ferguson has made is clear that this time he will not make
the same mistake and has already earmarked a few talented shot-stoppers in Europe to fill in the big shoes that Van der Sar will leave behind.
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