Ferguson reveals Van der Sar retirement doubts

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has revealed goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar

considered changing his mind about his impending retirement.

The 40-year-old is set to play his final league game in United’s colours today when United host Blackpool in the Barclays Premier League with the Dutchman set to be handed the captain’s armband.

Van Der Sar will then prepare for his fifth Champions League final when United face Barcelona at Wembley next weekend.

Such has been his form, Van Der Sar’s team-mates have called for him to make a u-turn.

The former Fulham, Ajax and Juventus keeper has withstood those pleas - although it now appears he did ponder playing on before confirming his initial decision with United apparently in the throes of signing a replacement.

In his programme notes for the match against the Seasiders, Ferguson wrote: “Edwin decided he wants to go out at the top, though he did have a wobble last week.

“He came to see me and told me he was thinking about changing his mind.

“I had to tell him to be quick about it because we are in the middle of concluding a deal for a new keeper.

“He came back a couple of days later to say he would be sticking with his original decision to go, which I think at his age is the right thing for him to do.”