1 - Edwin Van Der Sar Profile

The arrival of Edwin Van der Sar at Old Trafford ended Sir Alex Ferguson's search for a successor to United legend Peter Schmeichel.

With Ferguson having tried a number of keepers, including Fabien Barthez, Tim Howard and Roy Carroll, he turned to the Dutch international to fill the shoes of the Great Dane.

Van der Sar began his career at Dutch side Ajax, making over 200 appearances for the club and winning numerous trophies, including the UEFA Champions League in 1995.

Those impressive performances with Ajax led to a move to Italian side Juventus. He eventually lost his place at Stadio delle Alpi to Italian international Gianluigi Buffon and subsequently left the club to join Premiership newcomers Fulham for a fee of £5 million.

He continued to impress at Craven Cottage and helped the club earn a place in the UEFA Cup via the Intertoto Cup in the 2002/2003 season, eventually losing 2-1 to Hertha Berlin in Round 3.

Over the next few seasons, Van der Sar helped to establish Fulham as a solid mid-table Premiership side and caught the eye of Ferguson. He made the move north to Old Trafford in June 2005 for a reported fee of around £2 million, signing a two-year contract.

His arrival helped steady the United defence and despite failing in Europe and the FA Cup, he did help United to win the Carling Cup with a 4-0 win over Premiership newcomers Wigan at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.

The 6'5" stopper holds the record for most international appearances for the Dutch national team, having played 117 times. He beat the previous record of 112, held by Frank de Boer, when he played against Portugal in the Second Round defeat at World Cup 2006. He has been Holland's number 1 keeper for every tournament they have qualified for since making his debut in 1995.

Impressive performances this season convicned Ferguson to offer an extended deal to Van der Sar, who is now contracted to the club until the end of the 2008 season.

• Fergie hails Van der Sar

  Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has paid tribute to Edwin van der Sar after he announced his retirement.

• Van der Sar to retire

  Edwin van der Sar has confirmed he will quit football at the end of the season to spend more time with his family.

• Fergie expects end for Edwin

  Sir Alex Ferguson expects Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar to retire from playing at the end of the season.

• Edwin critical of Rangers

  Edwin van der Sar has criticised Rangers' tactics in the wake of Manchester United's 1-0 win at Ibrox.

• Sir Alex backs Van der Sar

  Sir Alex Ferguson has backed Edwin Van der Sar to bounce back from his 'uncanny' error against West Brom.

• Van der Sar hints at retirement

  Edwin Van der Sar is ready to retire at the end of the season but has set his sights on winning the FA Cup before he quits Old Trafford.

• Van der Sar hails Rio return

  Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has praised the form of Rio Ferdinand since his return from injury.

• Edwin - Two points dropped

  Edwin van der Sar acknowledged it was another two points dropped for Manchester United following the 0-0 draw at Sunderland.

• Van der Sar not thinking of retirement

  Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has stopped worrying about how long his career will continue as he approaches his 40th birthday

• Edwin - We can cope without Rooney

  Edwin van der Sar is confident Manchester United will be able to cope if Wayne Rooney is ruled out of their upcoming key games.