Sir Alex Ferguson Hails 'Fantastic' Edwin Van Der Sar & Hints At Future Coaching Role At Manchester United

Dutchman to retire from playing at end of season.
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has sung in high praise of goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar, who recently announced his decision to retire at the end of the season.

The Dutchman was previously hailed by the Scot as the club's best shot-stopper since Peter Schmeichel, with Van der Sar having spent five-and-a-half years at Old Trafford and winning a plethora of honours.

"Fantastic – a magnificent person, professional goalkeeper, an absolute marvellous career he’s had," Ferguson said on Sky Sports News.

"He’s an example to anyone who wants to become a goalkeeper."

The Scot added: "Edwin sails through life without any changes in it, he never changes, he has a consistent nature. He’s unflappable.

"He’s calm, he doesn’t look to search for press for himself, he’s happy with what he’s achieved in life and he’s not searching for anything, he’s such a good man."

The United boss also maintained that the 40-year-old could return to the club to potentially take up a coaching role.

Ferguson said: "He’s going to take a break, and I understand that, but he’ll have a part to play whatever he does in football in a couple of years' time."