Salut, Edwin Van der Sar

Edwin Van der Sar has been one of the most consistent and important players for Man U over the last few years.

He came and rescued United from a dangerous slide after Peter Schmeicel left and we went through a few 'Next big thing' keepers who, whilst they had talent, were still relatively inexperienced and didn't have the temperament for the big time.

His last couple of summers at Fulham had been rife with specualtion about him moving to United and, in all honesty, I think Fergie made a mistake in not signing him sooner. He was one of the reasons Fulham were still in the Premier League and able to think about European qualification.

My oldest son, who is also a Man U fan, loves Van der Sar too. He rates him with Ronaldo and Scholes. I think thatgoes to show howimportant he is to United.

He's one of the players that makes a difference. You know that it will rarely be because of him that you concede a goal. It also shows the importance of having a top notch goalkeeper in giving your side confidence. The fluctuations of personnel in United's defence this season have been minimised when he's in the side, but have been exposed when one of the other keepers have been in.

At least he'll be around for another couple of years in order to smooth the transition. Kuszczak and Foster have talent for sure, but I think Fergie has learnt hislesson from last time and wants to make sure that these guys are left to sink or swim and take the team with them.

If they've got the cahunas for the big league then they'll listen to everything Van der Sar can teach them and seize every opportunity that comes their way and maybe they'll become regulars before his contract finally ends in 2011.

Even so, at least he'll be around for the really big matches.

I think that for his part in the club's recent successes, especially the Champions League final, he will go down as one of the legends.

Salut to you, Edwin Van der Sar!

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