Edwin van der Sar likely to call it quits next summer

Manchester United’s goalkeeping coach Eric Steele expects Edwin van der Sar to call time on his career at the end of this season.

The 39-year-old goalkeeper is the most-capped player in Netherlands history and his haul of silverware includes five Dutch league titles, three Premier League winners’ medals and two Champions League triumphs.

However, the Holland international missed a number of matches last season through injury and compassionate leave after his wife suffered a brain haemorrhage.

Now, it appears the veteran shot-stopper is ready to retire at the end of the current campaign after over five years at Old Trafford.

“I think Ed has made his mind up and said this is his last year,” Steele 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.

“It is down to how he feels and performs. If he doesn’t perform the manager will make the decision. Edwin will as well.

Steele added: “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.”