Manchester United News: Dutch Keeper Edwin van der Sar will continue with The Red Devils; Rio Ferdinand out for 6 weeks
Manchester United’s prolific shot-stopper, Edwin van der Sar, has made public his aim to keep on playing for The Red Devils, despite turning 40 in October 2010. The Dutch goalkeeper claimed that he is not looking for retirement yet, after spending 5 successful years with Manchester United.
Van der Sar joined United back in 2005, from Premier League club Fulham. His presence for the 18-time English champions has been phenomenal, as manager Sir Alex Ferguson labelled him the best goalkeeper ever to have played for the Red Devils since Peter Schmeichel. The veteran goalkeeper signed a year’s extension back in February 2010, binding him with The Red Devils at least till the end of the coming season.
The former Dutch International voiced his opinion regarding the matter, claiming that age is no barrier, and he remains hungry for more silverware at the club. Edwin added that he still has the will to win, and stated that he has been hearing questions regarding his retirement for a couple of years. The 39 year old praised United’s environment, and was surprised with his performance with The Red Devils. The Dutch added that he has been given the opportunity to play at the top level of club football year after year. Edwin added that when you play for the Premier League as well as the Champions League each year, there are chances of winning more silverware, and you also have the opportunity to compete against the top players of the world. The veteran shot-stopper added that the opportunity of playing in all those competitions is too good to let go of, and he still enjoys playing his football. Even after Edwin’s sensational contribution to United’s success for the past 5 years, the goalkeeper was pleased to make it into the starting line-up for almost all the matches. Edwin van der Sar, however, claimed that he still works hard in training in order to fairly earn a chance to start for his beloved club. The former Dutch International (his career with Netherlands’ national football team lasted from 1995-2008) holds the record for holding the most international caps for his national side in history: a mindboggling 130 appearances. The keeper is one of the few long serving and experienced pillars of United’s success over the years, along with veteran Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Gary Neville, whose contributions have been priceless for The Red Devils.
In other news, former England captain, Rio Ferdinand, has been confirmed to miss the start of the new season. Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that the England international is set to miss six weeks of action owing to his pre-World Cup injury, which ruled him out of the tournament.
While training for his international side, Rio suffered a knee injury, following a tackle from fellow Englishman Emile Heskey. The defender was expected to be fully fit in time for the start of the new season, which is to start on 16th August, when United face Newcastle in the Premier League. The manager has, however, asserted that Rio’s recovery will take longer than expected; estimating it to be six more weeks. While talking to manutd.com, which is the club’s official website, Ferguson confirmed that Ferdinand would most probably miss six weeks of action.
This means that the former England captain might also be unavailable for selection when England plays Bulgaria and Switzerland in the Euro 2012 qualifiers. The matches are expected to take place in early September. There is good news on the injury front as well, as the manager confirmed that veteran defender Gary Neville, as well as lightning-fast winger Antonio Valencia, have fully recovered from their respective injuries, and have resumed full training.
Michael Owen is yet to return to training after having a knock in the Carling Cup final, which ended his season prematurely for The Red Devils. Owen is expected to be back in time for the start of the new season. Midfielder Anderson is also set to be back by September, and look to re-earn is spot in the starting XI. Owen Hargreaves, on the other hand, still has injury concerns, after missing nearly two seasons for United. Hargreaves is currently in the United States, where he is to continue treatment on his long term injury issues.
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