SOCCER NEWS: ALEX FERGUSON says he expects Edwin van der Sar to retire at the end of this season but believes lessons learned from Peter Schmeichel's departure will prevent another goalkeeping crisis at Manchester United.
Van der Sar was 40 in October and, despite recent mixed messages over his intentions when his contract expires next summer, has told Ferguson this will be his final campaign at Old Trafford.
“We are planning for this being his last season,” the United manager said yesterday. “I expected it. It is amazing to be playing at this level at 40 years of age. You can only do it if you’ve got that structure and the mind.
“To be able to programme himself and train the way he does is phenomenal. He’s an outstanding man.”
United have not discussed a possible coaching role with Van der Sar, although Ferguson indicated a position could be made available for the former Ajax, Juventus and Fulham goalkeeper.
“He is a player that will be of interest because of his knowledge and standing in the game,” said the Scot, who rates the Dutchman alongside Schmeichel as his most important goalkeepers at Old Trafford and now faces a similar predicament over finding a successor.
A procession of players failed to live up to the Dane’s imposing reputation after his United exit in 1999, ranging from a World Cup winner in Fabien Barthez to calamities such as Massimo Taibi.
Tomasz Kuszczak, who may also leave the club next summer, and Ben Foster failed to dislodge Van der Sar as number one. Although Anders Lindegaard has recently signed for €4 million from Norwegian club Aalesunds and there are high hopes for Ben Amos, Ferguson indicated a proven, top-class keeper will be on his transfer agenda next summer.
David de Gea of Atletico Madrid and Schalke’s Manuel Neuer are potential candidates.
“I think we have learned the lesson [from failing to replace Schmeichel],” Ferguson said. “I should have signed Van der Sar after Schmeichel. I made a mistake but now we think we know where we’re going. Both of them have been magnificent. I’ve been very lucky to have had them both.”
Ferguson gave no credence to rumours that David Beckham could return on loan during the MLS close season. “I don’t think so with David at his age,” he said. A more immediate aim for the United manager “is to be top of the league by January 4th. If we are, then we have done well.”
The league leaders entertain Sunderland on St Stephen’s Day, with games at Birmingham and West Bromwich Albion and at home to Stoke completing their festive campaign. Despite Tottenham’s continued improvement, Ferguson believes United’s closest challengers will come only from the usual suspects.
“There were indications last season when Tottenham got into the top four things were changing and that elite four that people had spoken about for years had changed,” he said. “And it looks as if it can change again because there’s a battle for fourth place again. You have to recognise it’s a different type of league but I don’t think there’ll be anyone outside of ourselves, Chelsea or Arsenal [challenging for the title]. I think those three will certainly be there.
“I know Harry [Redknapp] is talking up his chances very well at Tottenham but they’re involved in the Champions League and it’s a new thing for them.”
