Edwin van der Sar has dismissed speculation that he may retire at the conclusion of this season. In yesterday’s press, Eric Steele, Manchester United’s goalkeeping coach, was quoted claiming that van der Sar had made up his mind to retire at the end of this season. Though the Dutch shot stopper did not rule out the possibility of retiring in May, he did state that he has yet to make a decision.
In recent years, it always seems that it will be van der Sar’s final season, yet he is still the man between the posts. Unfortunately, we still have no certainty regarding his future beyond this season. However, at least his comments today give hope that he may continue past the 2010/11 campaign.
“I don’t yet know whether I will stop or continue after this season,” said van der Sar in today’s press. “Only in the course of this season will I think about it. Then I will decide and not before. For now I keep my focus on United.”
Though van der Sar will celebrate his 40th birthday later this month, his age hardly shows in his performances. He has continued to be one of the top goalkeepers in the world despite his age and he has yet to show any signs of slowing down. Any news that opens the possibility for another season is certainly welcome.
It is highly likely that when the Dutchman decides to call it a day United will have to enter the transfer market. There have been multiple indications that Tomasz Kuszczak is not seen as the heir to van der Sar’s gloves. Steele recently made his fifth scouting trip to see Anders Lindegaard. There have also been rumors that Sir Alex Ferguson and Steele attended a match between Atletico Madrid and Valencia to scout David De Gea; however, they claimed to be watching Valencia n preparation for an upcoming Champions League fixture. It appears there will be a price to pay if van der Sar is to be properly replaced.
For now, it simply comes as a relief that van der Sar is keeping an open mind to extending his stay at Old Trafford beyond this season. When he does decided to officially call time on his glorious career, he will undoubtedly leave United at the disappointment of many fans.
Discuss all today’s news and rumors in the forum.
You can follow Kyle on Twitter at KDill_MUFC.
I find this poll difficult, my heart always seems to rule my head on these things. I would never like to admit when it’s any of our ‘old guard’s’ last seasons, and probably won’t admit it to myself when it does finally happen.