Van der Sar lands new deal!

Filed under: Manchester United Football Club, Manchester United Players

There is some positive news emanating from the United camp today about the signing of a new deal by our man-in-goal Edwin Van der Sar. Pleasant news nevertheless that the dutchman has decided to extend his stay here given the success he’s had with us and filled that long-standing void of a settled and a quality keeper. Fergie has billed him the best keeper to play for United since the great Schmeichel and why not!

Ferguson said: “We have given Edwin another year, which is in keeping with our policy of giving players in their thirties one year contracts.

“He has been a fantastic signing and he deserves another year because his personality and experience have helped us tremendously since he signed for us.

“We have had to find the right keeper to overcome the Schmeichel effect and I have to say that Edwin has been our best since Peter.

“Goalkeeping is an area where you need experience and Edwin has that. Despite his age, he looks after himself well and there is no reason why he cannot play until he is 40 like some other keepers have done. We are very strong in our goalkeeping department now.

“It’s no secret that we tried to sign him after Schmeichel left us, but we couldn’t change the direction of his transfer to Juventus. I wish I had been able to because it would have been fantastic for us.”

Van der Sar has this to say:

“Everything has gone well for me and the club and I am really looking forward to the next year and a half of my contract with Manchester United,” the Dutchman said.

“Hopefully we can get some silverware and I look forward to a successful end to this season.”

Another article of relevance is here.