Stars united in hailing record-breaker Van der Sar

RYAN GIGGS and Rio Ferdinand have hailed the goalkeeping skills of Edwin Van der Sar after helping Manchester United create a double slice of Premier League history.

Van der Sar set a new individual record for the most minutes without conceding a goal when he surpassed Chelsea star Petr Cech’s tally of 1,025 minutes during the 5-0 demolition of West Brom at The Hawthorns on Tuesday evening.

And the 38-year-old also played a key role in the Red Devils clocking up an 11th successive clean sheet, beating the record set by Chelsea four years ago.

Ferdinand, who returned ahead of schedule from a back complaint against the Baggies, said: “Edwin is the best keeper I’ve played with. It’s as simple as that. The record, the stuff we’ve won together, the assuredness he transmits from himself to the back four, is great.

“I also don’t think I’ve seen a better keeper with his feet. He’s got an extra year in terms of his contract and I am sure he’s got the capabilities to go and do it again.”

Giggs said: “Edwin just gives that calming influence throughout the team, with his calmness on the ball when we play back passes to him, and his general goalkeeping is sound.

“With the clean sheets, Edwin has done brilliant over the last two or three months.”

Giggs claims the clean sheet record is even more meritorious given the injuries United have suffered to the likes of Ferdinand, Wes Brown and Patrice Evra in recent months.

He said: “There has been great defenders at this club but, to go on the run we’ve gone on, and with some tough games in there as well, is brilliant.

“You’ve got to credit the defenders, the keeper and the whole team for the way they have defended.

“In a way, to achieve the record is an even better achievement because we have not been able to have a settled back four recently.

“Credit to the people who have come into the side like Fabio and Rafael (da Silva) and Johnny Evans. It’s been a big squad effort.”