Football Update: End of the line for Edwin Van der Sar, Manchester United goalkeeper- Ferguson
Manchester United manager, Alex Ferguson has confirmed that he expects Van der Sar to retire at the end of this season.
Edwin van der Sar who turned 40 earlier this year, still continues to defy age and be his usual reliable self in front of goal. While the United number 1 has been quiet over his future, Ferguson feels that it might be time for him to officially hang his
gloves at the close of this campaign.
"We are planning for this being his last season" commented the Scotsman.
There would be few to think otherwise that after the advent of the legendary Peter Schmiechel, the Dutchman has arguably been the next best thing to wear the number 1 jersey. However, many would remember that the Red Devils struggled for the time in between
the two shot stopper’s stint in front of goal.
Ferguson has perhaps been weary of that, which sees the signing of Danish keeper http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Anders-Lindegaard-c5553 to Old Trafford. The youngster is believed to have started training already. However, Fergie has revealed that his latest signing won’t be eligible to play
until the game against Stoke City on the 4th of January owing to a bank holiday in between.
Another possible name linked with the Theatre of Dreams is Germany’s http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Manuel-Neuer-c23424. While the German international might be deemed as a ‘quick fix’ for Van der Sar’s departure, he won’t come in cheap – Something that seems even more unrealistic seeing the
amount of debt the club is in.
However, owing to Edwin Van der Sar’s vast experience and familiarity with the Manchester United environment, perhaps it would be a viable option of retaining him in a coaching capacity. The Dutchman could make the transition relatively easy for whoever
gets to wear the gloves next.
Presently, the Manchester United manager looks set to maintain their lead at the top heading into Boxing Day and coming out at the other end ideally taking all three points against Stoke City. However, weather could hamper proceedings. This in turn would
lead to fixtures being postponed and coinciding with FA Cup and Champions League games – Something that is sure to take its toll on the 40 year old keeper.
Whether the former Dutch international decides to call it a day at the end of this season remains to be seen. Either way, whenever he does decide to retire, it would be safe to say that he would be a huge miss – Manchester United evidently struck gold when
they signed him from Fulham a few seasons ago.
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