/ 7 June 2005

Van der Sar vows to save Man United

Edwin van der Sar has vowed to become Manchester United’s new Peter Schmeichel and put them back on top of English football.

The former Juventus and Ajax goalkeeper has agreed a two-year contract at Old Trafford, who have tried 10 ‘keepers since Schmeichel left in 1999 after the treble-winning season.

”They have tried a lot of goalkeepers since Peter went. I know United wanted a goalkeeper with experience, leadership qualities and who has performed at the highest level,” said the 34-year-old Dutch international after his £2-million (R24,5-million) switch from Fulham.

”I am that man and I am still a player with big ambitions. I believe I am now back at a level where I belong.

”A lot has been said about replacing Peter Schmeichel. I will do my best to copy what he did. I know I have the experience and the ability to help the club push for all prizes next season.”

United could have landed Van der Sar in 1999 if they had moved quicker when he was leaving Ajax.

”They came in for me, but I had just given my word to Juventus. I could not back out, no matter how much United wanted me,” he said.

Van der Sar joined Fulham from Juventus for £5-million (R61,2-million) four years ago.

United were also poised to sign PSV Eindhoven’s South Korean forward Park Ji-Sung, with chief executive David Gill in talks with the Dutch club for a £5-million move. — Sapa-AFP