Van der Sar revels in winning return
• Dutch goalkeeper back in groove after compassionate leave
• Defeat of Portsmouth marked third clean sheet since return
The Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar says he is delighted to be back in action after a traumatic period in his life.
It has been a tough season for the veteran Dutchman, who suffered two lengthy absences through injury before being granted compassionate leave just before Christmas when his wife, Annemarie, suffered a brain haemorrhage.
Thankfully, his wife has recovered sufficiently for Van der Sar to resume his career at Old Trafford, bringing a sense of stability to a side that had been struggling for consistent results.
“It feels really good to be back playing,” Van der Sar told United Review. “It has been a stop-start season for me and you miss your weekly routine of training and games. But it feels great to be back in the swing of things and playing for United again.”
Van der Sar kept the third clean sheet since his return to action in the five-goal hammering of Portsmouth at Old Trafford on Saturday. It contributed to a run of six wins and a draw that has catapulted United into the thick of a Premier League title battle which, after Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Arsenal at Stamford Bridge yesterday, now seems to involve just United and Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
Sir Alex Ferguson credits much of the improvement to the 39-year-old Van der Sar although, typically, the former Ajax keeper is taking the plaudits in his stride.
“Every manager speaks highly of his players and I am sure other managers say the same about their goalkeepers,” he said. “But I know that I get good recognition here at United – from the players and the manager.
“It is always good to hear you have the support and trust of the people you work with. It is good to know I have that here.”
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