Man Utd boss Ferguson: Van der Sar is vital to us

Sir Alex said: “He is vital to us. Since Edwin has joined us, he has brought with him personality and experience. Particularly when we were changing the team, that was very important to us.

“He’s proved that again this season, where his form has been outstanding. He has been in the Champions League and been in this position before. For the ones in the dressing room who haven’t, that is important to them. I think he is one of the best in the world. Gianluigi Buffon in Italy is a marvellous goalkeeper. But, after that, Edwin is right up there.”