“I had two good conversations”: Former Red Devil confirms United’s ambitious reunion attempts

Edwin van der Sar is arguably one of the greatest goalkeepers in Manchester United’s history, but he could have also held an executive post at Old Trafford had things been a little different. The legendary Dutchman famously went 1,311 minutes without conceding a goal in the 2008/09 season, a world record that stands to this day.

After his retirement, Van der Sar began working with his former club Ajax in 2012, initially as a marketing director before being promoted to the post of CEO in 2016. He did a commendable job at the Johan Cruyff Arena, prompting the Red Devils to take note.

The Premier League giants were struggling both on and off the pitch during that period and were looking for solutions. In 2019, Van der Sar revealed that he would be open to a return to Old Trafford, sending the rumour mill into overdrive.

However, the move never materialised and the former goalkeeper has now shed light on the saga.

Van der Sar opted against United move

Speaking on The Overlap, Van der Sar revealed that he was twice in talks to join former United chief executive Ed Woodward’s team, but declined the offer. He said: “Yes, I spoke to Ed Woodward twice about taking up a role at Manchester United, but at that point, I didn’t think my job was finished at Ajax with the path we were going on – we were not there yet.”

“But I had two good conversations with him on two separate occasions about a role, probably alongside him.”

Woodward was in charge at United from 2012 to 2022, and his era was marked by poor recruitment and the club’s prolonged struggles on the pitch. He was eventually replaced by Richard Arnold, who left in November 2023.

Patrick Stewart briefly filled the role before INEOS appointed Omar Berrada as the club’s new CEO in the summer of 2024. One does wonder whether Van der Sar was correct in avoiding a return to the club during one of their worst phases in recent history.

Van der Sar’s United legacy

Van der Sar arrived at Old Trafford in the summer of 2005 from Fulham and became a mainstay during one of the club’s most successful periods. He went on to register 266 appearances for the Red Devils, keeping 135 clean sheets and conceding 202 goals.

The Dutchman was part of the United team that reached the final of the Champions League on three occasions, lifting the trophy once. He also won the Premier League four times during his stay at the Theatre of Dreams, alongside other trophies.

Edwin van der Sar Career Start

Source: Transfermarkt.

Van der Sar rose through the ranks at Ajax and went on to become one of the club’s greatest players. He was part of the team that lifted the Champions League in 1995 and finished runners-up the following campaign.

The Dutchman had a health scare around two months after leaving his executive role at the Eredivisie club in May 2023. He had to be admitted to intensive care due to a brain haemorrhage but was discharged two weeks later.

Final Thoughts

Senne Lammens, who joined United last summer, recently professed his admiration for the legendary Dutchman, adding that he finds a lot of similarities between himself and the iconic goalkeeper.

United fans adored Van der Sar during his spell at Old Trafford, and his name often rings around Old Trafford during games. While a fairytale return has not materialised yet, there is no doubt that fans would love to see their old hero back at the Theatre of Dreams should an opportunity arise.

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