Source: Daily_Mail
United legend Schmeichel backs Edwin Van der Sar to reclaim No 1 jersey
Manchester United goalkeeping legend Peter Schmeichel has backed Edwin van der Sar to reclaim the No 1 jersey from Ben Foster at Old Trafford as soon as the Dutchman recovers from a broken finger.
Van der Sar has been sidelined since preseason allowing Foster to stake an early claim for club and country ahead of next summer's World Cup.
The Englishman has been an ever-present for United this term but his recent performances have been heavily criticised both in the press and by his manager, Sir Alex Ferguson.
The stopper gifted Manchester City a way back into Sunday's derby when he was caught in possession by Carlos Tevez. Then with United leading 3-2 heading into time added on, Foster's poor positioning allowed Craig Bellamy to prod home at the near post.
Foster has long been tipped as successor to a throne originally vacated by Schmeichel in 1999 and occupied by Van der Sar since 2005. However, according to the Dane, any thoughts of a permanent spot between the sticks should soon be put on hold.
'He's getting a good run of games now but I'm sure Edwin will be back in when he's fit because the manager knows he's the right guy for the team at the moment,' he said. 'Ben will have to make the most of his chances but what he has done so far has been promising.'
Ferguson seems to agree. In the Scot's programme notes following United's 2-1 win over Arsenal, the Old Trafford boss questioned his 'keeper's dealing of Andrey Arshavin's rangy opener.
'I thought Ben Foster could have done better,' wrote Ferguson. 'With the way a ball swerves these days it was difficult, but saving it was not beyond Ben's capabilities.'
The 38-year-old Van der Sar is expected to return to action for the home game against Bolton Wanderers on October 17. Meanwhile forgotten man Tomasz Kuszczak is expected to throw his hat into the ring when he features in Wednesday's Carling Cup tie against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
