Without wishing to take anything for granted, the best news to come out of a disappointing weekend for Manchester United was a surprise comment made by goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar. The Dutch veteran has long stated a definite intention to hang up his gloves at the end of the season yet he has now revealed that a possibility may still exist for him to carry on for another year. It may be a long shot but at least it provides a glimmer of hope that finding a replacement may not be as urgent a task as it appears to have been for Sir Alex Ferguson.
“I do ask myself sometimes why I’m retiring” van der Sar told The News of the World “a lot of people have spoken to me about precisely this question. Physically, I don’t need to stop. I’m still as fit as a fiddle, although nobody can carry on playing for ever. Now that I’ve passed 40, I feel quite simply that this is the best time to stop. This is a decision I have not made on my own – I also consulted my wife Annemarie, my solicitor Rob Jansen and my manager Alex Ferguson. After I’d spoken to Ferguson last year we both came to the conclusion that it would be best if this were to be my final season.”
It does not sound like a cast iron decision to retire even though the odds must still be against VDS continuing. It may take a large dose of Ferguson’s well known power of persuasion to convince his keeper to continue. Many replacements have been considered including the highly rated Manuel Neuer and David de Gea yet there has to be grave doubts surrounding both.
Neither one appear to be completely certain that leaving their country for Old Trafford is what they most desire raising huge question marks as to their suitability. If van der Sar can be persuaded to heed the call by fans for ‘One More Year’ it will give Sir Alex the breathing space needed to ensure that he gets the right replacement.
Any point in signing any player who is not desperate to come to United?
super VDS dont leave us pleaseeeeeeeeee
That would be utterly fantastic if Edwin stays, clearly World class in everything he has done for the Club.
Could not agree more, the talk and gossip of Goalkeepers linked to United is mind blowing and now begining to hurt my eyes and memory of whom where and why!
If a player is not full hearted in wanting to play for Manchester United, with no reservations, it cant happen,its just buying trouble and potential unrest in a happy environment at United.
PS, Gave, Truly Reds a wee shout on the “Best United “football blog on EPL talk.
Bleeding computer problems.lol
This is what Ferguson has to say:
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/11/05/03/SOCCER_Man_Utd_Van_der_Sar.html&BID=165
It might also mean that he has a new goalie lined up who won’t want to sit on the bench!
@Murty ano mate, it was the smile he was making when Sir Alex said it,suggesting to me he already has someone lined up, if not signed.
Enjoy the El Farsico, about to start
Since Neuer seems to be a non starter, the most likely replacement seems to be De Gea, according to the media (although I would prefer Akinfeev). Since De Gea is just 20 years old he is lacking a lot of experience which would make it ideal for Utd to keep VDS on the books for one more year to mentor De Gea, who would undobtly benefit immensly from such an arrangement.