24 Dec 2010

Ferguson expects Van der Sar to retire at end of season

5:49 am on 24 December 2010

Manchester United's manager Sir Alex Ferguson says goalkeeper Edwin Van der Sar is likely to retire from the Premier League football club at the end of the season,.

The 40-year-old Dutchman's retirement has been on the cards for some time and United have been preparing to have to fill some big boots by bringing in Dane Anders Lindegaard, who will be registered with the club early next month.

Van der Sar set an English league record of minutes without conceding a goal when he went more than 21 hours unbeaten last season and has been key for United since his arrival in 2005 from Fulham.

Ferguson says he may have a coaching role in future.