Former Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has ended speculation he could return to Old Trafford by inking a new deal with Ajax.
The Dutchman won four Premier League titles and the Champions League during his six-year stint as a United player.
He was tipped to head back to the club as director of football having overseen Ajax's return to European prominence in recent years.
But he has now been tied down to a four-year deal keeping him in Amsterdam until 2023 leaving the Red Devils faced with having to look elsewhere.
Van der Sar wrote on Twitter : “Very happy with my contract extension at this beautiful club! I started as a goalie in 1991, three years ago I became Ajax CEO.
“We’ve had some difficult moments, but the good times are definitely back. And of course we want more in the future!”
Van der Sar previously revealed he would only contemplate returning to Old Trafford if he was made chief executive rather than director of football.
Opening up about his future, he said: “I am a chief executive - and that is a very different role to director of football.
“Besides my wife and children I have two loves in my life. They are Ajax and Manchester United .
“Ajax scouted me, gave me the chance to become their No 1 goalkeeper.
“Manchester United gave me the chance to make even bigger steps and develop at an even higher level.
“So of course I am interested in a position at United.
“But I think I need to learn a little bit more about myself as a chief executive at Ajax and develop myself even further.
“United is a fantastic club. So let’s see what the future brings.”
A host of names have been linked as Ed Woodward looks to bring in a new member of staff to oversee playing matters.
Recent reports have linked experienced German Ralf Rangnick with the job.
