Edwin van der Sar, the legendary Manchester United goalkeeper, recently opened up about discussions he had regarding a potential return to the club in an executive role. His conversations took place while he was serving at Ajax, where he has held significant positions since his retirement from playing.
Van der Sar’s Tenure at Manchester United
During his six seasons at Manchester United, van der Sar played a crucial role, appearing in 266 matches and achieving 135 clean sheets. He joined the club in 2005 after transferring from Fulham and retired in 2011 at the age of 40.
Transition to Ajax and Executive Role
After hanging up his boots, van der Sar returned to Ajax, where he initially took on a directorial position. In 2016, he was appointed Chief Executive Officer but stepped down in 2023 following the club’s failure to qualify for the Champions League.
Conversations with Manchester United
The 55-year-old shared that he had two discussions with Ed Woodward regarding a possible role at Manchester United. While he expressed interest, he felt his commitment to Ajax was not complete at that time.
- Discussions with Ed Woodward involved potential executive role.
- Van der Sar prioritized Ajax’s direction over immediate opportunities.
Assessment of Senne Lammens
Currently, the goalkeeper position at Manchester United has garnered attention, particularly after the departure of Andre Onana. Senne Lammens has stepped in as the new keeper and has received praise for his performances.
Van der Sar commented positively on Lammens, noting that despite being in the club for just eight months, he has demonstrated promise. The former goalkeeper stated, “He knows the physicality of the Premier League and commands the penalty area with confidence.” His initial impact suggests he could be a long-term asset for Manchester United.
Health Recovery and Personal Life
Van der Sar encountered a serious health scare shortly after leaving Ajax, suffering a bleed around the brain. He has since recovered and is taking pleasure in life outside of football.
- Health scare occurred shortly after stepping down from Ajax.
- Now enjoying time away from professional pressures.
Reflecting on his time off, he shared his desire to relax and experience life outside football, including travels to New Zealand. He emphasized the importance of taking a step back after a lengthy career in football.
As van der Sar continues to enjoy his time away from the pitch, his insights into Manchester United’s current goalkeeper situation and potential roles within the club show that his connection to United remains strong.
