Edwin van der Sar has expressed his delight after accepting the offer of a new contract at Manchester United.
Goalkeeper thrilled with United's form
Edwin van der Sar has expressed his delight after accepting the offer of a new one-year contract at Manchester United.
The Dutch goalkeeper signed the new deal before Christmas but then had to sit out four games over the festive period with a hamstring injury.
He returned to the side in Saturday's 2-0 FA Cup win over Aston Villa and is looking forward to playing a key role over the next 18 months.
"I am pleased to be staying on for another year," said van der Sar, whose contract now runs until June 2009.
"We said we would re-evaluate in December, and that is exactly what we did.
"Both parties are happy, so there was no reason to quit. I am still feeling good.
"I am happy with the way the team is playing, so it is a joy to be here."
Glad to be back
Van der Sar was impressed by the way Tomasz Kuszczak played in his absence but was pleased to be back in the action at Villa Park.
He had little to do as United's back four contained Villa expertly, while goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney secured victory.
"I was only out nine days - but I missed four games," he said.
"I had a good recovery and a couple of games off. Tomasz played well, so there was no rush to get back early. I am ready for the rest of the season.
"The back four played well not only against Villa but in all games this season. They have been very good.
"Villa rely on a lot of aerial challenges, with John Carew up front. We dealt
with it very well."
