Possible replacements for Van der Sar at Manchester United

Maarten Stekelenburg

Van der Sar’s replacement with the Netherlands and Ajax would be a fitting successor in that respect. A very solid goalkeeper who at 28 should be at the peak of his career.

Manuel Neuer

The Schalke goalkeeper is only 24 but already has plenty of big-match experience in domestic and European football as well as with Germany, for whom he performed brilliantly at the World Cup. Modelled himself on Jens Lehmann.

David De Gea

The 20-year-old Atletico Madrid goalkeeper is already attracting the attentions of Europe’s big clubs. Ferguson has largely been reluctant to put his faith in young ’keepers but this may be his best chance to land De Gea.

Hugo Lloris

France’s number one could well fit the bill having gained plenty of Champions League experience with Lyon. The Ligue 1 giants, though, are likely to demand a large fee for the former Nice player.

Igor Akinfeev

Akinfeev has long been linked with a move to United but may have been surpassed in Ferguson’s wishlist by the names above. The 24-year-old has been first choice for CSKA Moscow since 2003.

Anders Lindegaard

It is easy to forget Ferguson has already recruited a goalkeeper this season having signed Lindegaard from Danish side Aalesund in November.