Whenever you talk about United goalkeeping legends, there is one name that you will never forget : Edwin van der Saar. The Flying Dutchman, as he was referred to by the Red Devils, enjoyed a masterful career winning two Champions League title (with Ajax and United), four Eredivisie titles, four Premier League titles and 130 caps for Holland’s national team.
As he plans to watch Manchester United play against Chelsea tomorrow, he feels a certain feeling of regret of not being a part of this mighty English team, eapecially when he sees Ryan Giggs and Scholes preparing for it.
Edwin is haunted by his own decision of retiring as he feels he might have taken it a little early. However, whether he was right or wrong, there is no benefit of discussing it.
“Playing is the biggest thing there is. You want to experience it for as long as possible and when you see people like Paul Scholes playing you think ‘maybe’,” Van der Sar explained. “It is such a great life. I would urge anyone to cherish every moment.
“Life is better now, but in a different way. I have more time with my family. There is not as much travelling.
“But nothing can replicate the thrill of making a great save at an away ground, or hearing your own fans cheering you, or the atmosphere when you score a goal or win a big game.”
Van der Saar had dramatically saved Chelsea’s Anelka’s penalty in Moscow enuring victory for United in 2008.
“We didn’t win at Chelsea too many times when I was at United and it won’t be any easier this weekend,” he added. “They have changed their formation. They are more lively now and have more go-forward in their team.
“They certainly look to have great attacking options in midfield, which is the area United seem to have struggled a little bit.
“So far United have not had many tests, just Tottenham, and unfortunately they lost that. But this will be a big one.”
With David de Gea most probably standing where Edwin had once stood, United will fight a tough battle to break Chelsea’s winning streak.
Comments are closed.