Sir Alex hails Van der Sar

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

Dutch keeper Van der Sar has revealed he plans to hang up his gloves at the end of the current season.

Ferguson is a big admirer of Van der Sar and he believes he is the perfect role model for anyone looking to become a goalkeeper.

"Fantastic - a magnificent person, professional goalkeeper, an absolute marvellous career he's had," Ferguson told Sky Sports News.

"He's an example to anyone who wants to become a goalkeeper.

"Edwin sails through life without any changes in it, he never changes, he has a consistent nature. He's unflappable.

"He's calm, he doesn't look to search or press for himself, he's happy with what he's achieved in life and he's not searching for anything, he's such a good man."

The United boss also maintained that the 40-year-old could return to the club to potentially take up a coaching role.

Van der Sar has been linked with taking up a coaching role at United when he retires and Ferguson has admitted he could try to bring him to Old Trafford in a coaching capacity once he has had a break from football.

"He's going to take a break, and I understand that, but he'll have a part to play whatever he does in football in a couple of years' time," concluded Ferguson.