"Edwin van der Sar is one of the best. I hope it's not impossible to replace him."- Sir Alex Ferguson
Edwin van der Sar is just three European games away from signing off at United in the same perfect way as legendary Reds goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel.
When Danish international Schmeichel announced his retirement during the 1998/99 season, he could only hope that the Champions League final in Barcelona would turn out to be his last match for the Reds.
So it proved to be, and now van der Sar will have a similar ambition as he prepares to face Schalke in the semi-final, fresh from another vital contribution to United’s cause in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Everton.
"Edwin made a fantastic save, an absolutely brilliant save, especially as it took a little deflection," said Sir Alex, referring to when the ever-agile 40 year-old steered Jack Rodwell’s shot wide after it clipped off the inside of Jonny Evans’ legs.
Van der Sar’s role in the Reds’ vital league victory didn’t begin and end there, either.
"To hear him at half-time in the Everton game was absolutely wonderful," revealed Sir Alex.
"The way he motivated the players was really good to listen to.
"Edwin van der Sar is one of the best and I hope it's not impossible to replace him."
Van der Sar’s departure next month brings back memories of Schmeichel’s exit. United’s struggle to find an established successor
encompassed comparatively short-lived stays for shot-stoppers Mark Bosnich, Massimo Taibi, Roy Carroll, Tim Howard and even a World-Cup winner in Fabien Barthez.
"We're now in a similar situation to when Peter Schmeichel left," said Sir Alex. "We should have signed Edwin then (in 1999). I had the opportunity but things conspired against us at the time and we made the wrong decision. But he’s been unbelievable since we signed him (in 2005)."
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