Man United's goalkeeping coach Eric Steele believes Edwin van der Sar will retire at the end of the season.
United coach believes veteran has made up his mind
Manchester United's goalkeeping coach Eric Steele believes Edwin van der Sar will retire at the end of the season.
The legendary Dutch shot-stopper has been in the game since the late 80s after beginning his illustrious career with Ajax.
The 39-year-old has since played for the likes of Juventus and Fulham before pitching up at Old Trafford in 2005.
Van der Sar has won everything in the game from UEFA Champions League to Premier League titles, although an FA Cup winners' medal remains absent from his trophy cabinet.
Steele feels the veteran has already made up his mind to hang up his gloves next summer, but he remains keen to bow out a winner.
"I think Ed has made his mind up and said this is his last year," he told the
Manchester Evening News.
"He hasn't won (the FA Cup) and that is a big target for him. He has won most things in the game, there is not much left he hasn't.
"When we rotate our goalkeepers I think you will see Mr Van der Sar knocking on the door and asking the boss to play in the FA Cup."
Benefit
However, Steele does not feel Van der Sar's possible retirement is set in stone and believes it could be of benefit to United for the shot-stopper to carry on.
The Red Devils have the likes of Tomasz Kuszczak and Ben Amos waiting in the wings, although Steele feels Sir Alex Ferguson's troops are still in transition.
"I think we need him because this team is in transition at the moment," he said.
"If he gets to Christmas and he thinks it is right to go on and the manager thinks it is right we will make a decision.
"It is down to how he feels and performs. If he doesn't perform the manager will make the decision. Edwin will as well."
