Manchester United will offer Edwin van der Sar a new one year contract when his current deal expires this summer. The 39-year-old veteran, credited by Sir Alex Ferguson with the turnaround in United’s fortunes in recent weeks, has played just 13 times this season following hand and knee injuries, and time off to look after his ill wife.
But the Dutch legend, who joined the club from Fulham in June 2005, is back between the sticks following his wife Annemarie’s recent illness.
“It feels really good to be back playing,” Van der Sar said.
“It has been a stop-start season for me and you miss your weekly routine of training and games. But it feels great to be back in the swing of things and playing for United again.”
Ferguson is delighted with the Dutchman’s return and the calm reassurance he gives to the back-four in the continued absence of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand.
“Every manager speaks highly of his players and I am sure other managers say the same about their goalkeepers,” said the ‘keeper who.
“But I know that I get good recognition here at United – from the players and the manager.
“It is always good to hear you have the support and trust of the people you work with. It is good to know I have that here.”
Reports suggest that van der Sar will earn £90,000 a week in the course of his new 12 month contract, starting June 2010. Tomasz Kuszczak and Ben Foster have played 13 and 12 games respectively this season.