Fergie - VDS won't change mind

Van der Sar: Not going to change his mind

Sir Alex Ferguson insists there is 'no chance' Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar will change his mind about retiring.

Van der Sar intends to quit at the end of the season, but there have been recent suggestions that the 40-year-old may be tempted to play on for one more year.

The former Holland international impressed again for United on Saturday as a 2-0 victory over Arsenal secured a place in the FA Cup semi-finals.

However, while not ruling out a future role for Van der Sar at Old Trafford, Ferguson does not anticipate the keeper to perform a U-turn about retirement.

Marvellous

"There is no chance of Edwin changing his mind, definitely not," said the United boss.

"He's marvellous, absolutely brilliant and a fantastic man. But I haven't spoken to him about changing his mind.

"He has got his plans for next year. He is taking a break and going back to Holland, where he has a new house and he is going to do a bit of work there.

"Then he is going to return here for September when his son starts school in Wilmslow. I think that is his plan. He is going to take a break from football, then come back in.

"There are possibilities there for us, but first he is taking a break. He hasn't made his mind up about what to do after that.

"He has had a long period in the game and is coming up to 41. He wants to spend some time with his wife because she has had a tough couple of years."