Manchester United Football Club News

• Nickname:Red Devils
• Founded:1878
• Manager:Sir Alex Ferguson

• Ground:Old Trafford
• Capacity:68,174

Fergie wants Edwin to play on

02 Nov 2009 - 11:16:04

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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson hopes veteran goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar will decide to put any retirement plans on hold.

The 39-year-old Dutchman has featured in almost 200 matches for United since moving to Old Trafford from Fulham in the summer of 2005 and Ferguson believes he is one of his best ever signings.

The United boss said: "Edwin is one of those players who has lived his life the right way. He celebrated his 39th birthday a couple of days ago and is as good as ever.

"How much longer can, or will, he carry on? That's up to Edwin himself. He's earned the right to decide for himself without any pressure or persuasion from me. I'll leave it to him.

"We're so lucky to have such a great professional and a goalkeeper in the tradition of Peter Schmeichel.

"I still regret not taking Edwin when I had the chance after Peter announced that he'd be leaving us.

"The only thing that stopped me was that our chairman had shaken hands with Mark Bosnich on a deal to join and there wouldn't have been room for the pair of them.

"I've always rated Schmeichel as the best goalkeeper in the world, but I think that Edwin is right up there with him. I can't separate them."