The true heir to Peter Schmeichel’s Old Trafford throne (or gloves), Edwin van der Sar was another goalkeeping bargain for Sir Alex Ferguson and offered a rock-solid presence at the back.
One of the most complete keepers to have ever played the game, United fans will never forget the Dutchman’s 2008 Champions League-winning penalty save against Chelsea … or his calming contributions to four Premier League titles; a true No1 in every sense of the word.
Little can be done to describe Van der Sar’s time at Old Trafford better than some of the incredible records and achievements the Dutchman collected: the 'keeper-without-peer earned United 135 clean sheets in his time, 14 of which were in a row.
The extraordinary 'keeper was far from a spring chicken when United first took interest in him; in fact Van der Sar is one of the oldest nominees for the Best Premier League Transfers Ever (for which you can vote below). The 34-year-old had just earned his 100th international cap before his move to Manchester when Ferguson finally got the man he saw as Peter Schmeichel's true heir, but his glory days were far from over.
The veteran quickly proved his worth to the Red Devils, earning the approval of Ferguson as the Dutchman’s indomitable stature saw off swarms of opportunistic shots. In his six years with the Red Devils Van der Sar made 266 appearances, managing to keep a clean sheet in more than half of his matches.
With four League titles under his belt and a Golden Glove in 2008, there’s no debating that Van der Sar is one of the most accomplished 'keepers in Premier League history. United’s reputation for sizzling skills and slick goals under Ferguson is well known, but with Van der Sar and a formidable back-line, United’s success was all but guaranteed; even in those nail-biting away days in the depths of English winter.
Van der Sar’s arrival at Old Trafford was relatively low-key, widely regarded as a solid acquisition but far from the deal of the year. The Dutchman’s signing was made more significant by virtue of being Malcolm Glazer’s first transfer at United, on a two-year deal in the opening stages of the 2005 summer window.
Ferguson had wanted Van der Sar for years, but did the manager know just how big an impact he would have... or was it a case of right place, right time and right price? Regardless, United fans will forever remember the Dutch titan with fingertips of steel.
So, does Van der Sar get your vote? Or maybe another United icon pips him to the post? Cast your Best Premier League Transfers Ever vote above.
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Once you have cast your vote, tell us your favourite Van der Sar save of all time in the comments below.
