Sir Alex Ferguson may have struggled to replace Peter Schmeichel as Manchester United goalkeeper following the 1999 Treble-winning season, but the legendary manager avoided the same long way for an adequate successor when Edwin van der Sar retired.
Manchester United were linked with a move Edwin van der Sar back in 1999, but the Dutch goalkeeper opted to join Juventus and wait until the latter stages of his career to move to Old Trafford.
Most United fans will argue that Van der Sar should have been a United player much earlier in his career, given he signed for the Red Devils at 34 following a stint at Fulham.
Still, Van der Sar turned out to be the perfect fit for Sir Alex Ferguson’s side as he went on to win four Premier League titles, the Champions League, Club World Cup, two League Cups, and three Community Shields.
The highlight of Van der Sar’s career at United came in the Champions League final against Chelsea, back in 2008. He saved Nicolas Anelka’s penalty in the shootout as United were crowned European champions for a third time in Moscow.
Photo by Hakan Akgun/Anadolu via Getty Images
Photo by Hakan Akgun/Anadolu via Getty Images
Goalkeeper considered to replace Edwin van der Sar leaves Europe
Ferguson had time to prepare for Van der Sar’s exit, with United scouts busy watching goalkeepers for the months that led up to the summer transfer window.
Fellow Dutch stopper Maarten Stekelenburg was highly thought of, but Ferguson opted to sign David de Gea from Atletico Madrid. The Spaniard proved to be a success and spent 12 years at Old Trafford before leaving in 2023.
United were linked with other goalkeepers too, including former Lazio stopper Fernando Muslera, as per the Daily Mail.
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Other options included Igor Akinfeev, Robert Green, Manuel Neuer, and Rene Adler.
Muslera eventually moved on to Galatasaray, where he became the club’s most decorated player before leaving the Turkish giants this summer. The 38-year-old scored a late penalty against Kayserispor to help claim their 25th Turkish league title before ending his 14-year stay at the club.
Galatasaray director Rezan Epozdemir has announced that Muslera will be leaving the club as expected following a meeting over breakfast this morning.
The Uruguayan keeper is set to leave Europe and move his career closer to home.
Now, it is being reported that Muslera could join Uruguayan outfit Penarol following his summer holiday after reaching an agreement over his salary.
📌 Peñarol ya arregló un acuerdo económico con Fernando Muslera.
➡ El acuerdo económico ya está arreglado. Muslera está de vacaciones y se espera que cuando llegue, se cierren los detalles que restan para firmar el contrato.
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The remaining details will be finalised once Muslera’s vacation ends.
Van der Sar joined Man Utd 20 years ago
Up there with Schmeichel and De Gea, Van der Sar will be remembered as one of the best goalkeepers to play for United.
Van der Sar left United as the record-holder for most consecutive Premier League clean sheets with 14.
However, it’s been 20 years since Van der Sar joined United from Fulham.
The 54-year-old was credited by the official Premier League account on Instagram before replying with a comment that United fans will enjoy.
Van der Sar replied to the post, writing: “Some would say a few years too late but what an incredible 6 years playing for the biggest (at that time) club in the world!”