Van der Sar Extends United Stay

By Danny Wright

Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has signed a one year contract extension.

The 37-year-old was expected to retire after next summer's European Championships, however the Dutch stopper has agreed a deal that will keep him at the club till June 2009.

Van der Sar will now face Ben Foster in a tussle for the United number one shirt, with the later currently on his way back from a lengthy knee injury.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes the competetion will be a good thing for the club.

"He is the number one at the moment, so he has a chance being number one next season, but obviously Ben Foster will be back from injury next year, so that's great for competition," Ferguson told Sky Sports News.

"You can't guarantee players a position and say that they are definitely going to be in your team. I'm sure Edwin will want to be number one though,"

"That's why he signed his contract. I'm also sure that Ben will give him a good challenge," he added.

image - http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/