Source: Daily_Mail
Consistency breeds clean-sheets as Edwin van der Sar hopes to have put turbulent times behind him
Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar is delighted to be back in action after a tough season on and off the field. [LNB]The veteran Dutchman suffered two lengthy absences before being granted compassionate leave just before Christmas when his wife Annemarie suffered a brain haemorrhage.[LNB]Thankfully, his wife has recovered sufficiently well for Van der Sar to resume his career at Old Trafford, bringing a sense of stability to a side that had been struggling for consistent results.[LNB] Safe hands: Van der Sar in action for Manchester United[LNB]Compassionate leave: The goalkeeper's wife, Anne-Marie (right) suffered a stroke in December[LNB]'It feels really good to be back playing,' Van der Sar told United Review. 'It has been a stop-start season for me and you miss your weekly routine of training and games.[LNB]'But if feels great to be back in the swing of things and playing for United again.'[LNB]Van der Sar kept the third clean sheet since his return to action in the five-goal hammering of Portsmouth at Old Trafford on Saturday.[LNB]It contributed to a run of six wins and a draw that has catapulted the Red Devils back into the thick of a Barclays Premier League title battle that, after Chelsea's 2-0 win over Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, now just seems to involve United and Carlos Ancelotti's Blues.[LNB]Sir Alex Ferguson credits a lot of the improvement to Van der Sar although, typically, the former Ajax keeper is taking the plaudits in his stride.[LNB]'Every manager speaks highly of his players and I am sure other managers say the same about their goalkeepers,' he said. 'But I know that I get good recognition here at United - from the players and the manager.[LNB]'It is always good to hear you have the support and trust of the people you work with.[LNB]'It is good to know I have that here.'[LNB] Manchester United 5 Portsmouth 0: Grant still pining for John TerryManchester United stars Neville and Evra heap praise on resurgent NaniVan der Sar's vigil for sick wife: United keeper by stroke victim AnnemarieVan der Sar relishing more time at United as he signs new dealDropped Beckham's hopes of starting emotional clash against United in doubtMANCHESTER UNITED FC
