Edwin Extends Contract

Edwin van der Sar has agreed a one-year extension to his United contract.

The veteran keeper's latest rolling deal will keep him at Old Trafford until June 2010, with Sir Alex Ferguson confirming next season will be the Dutchman's last at the club.

"Edwin's got great experience and his temperament, professionalism and performance levels have not changed one bit," the Reds manager told Friday's pre-Spurs press conference at Carrington.

"Next season will be his last - he'll be going on 40 by the time his new deal is finished, which is great credit to the lad. He's been absolutely marvellous for us."

Van der Sar has been used more sparingly by Sir Alex this term and his impending departure will intensify the competition between Ben Foster and Thomas Kuszczak.

"What Edwin has done really well for us over the last year is help with the development of the young goalkeepers," Ferguson added. "Eric Steele, our goalkeeping coach, of course has also played a great part in making the situation very competitive.

"We're using Ben and Tomasz quite a bit now, which allows us to keep Edwin fresh for the really important games. Edwin has bought into it very well - he understands the reasoning behind it and he's played a great part in making sure the big picture is there for us in terms of the future for Ben or Tomasz.

"Next season, in fairness to Ben and Tomasz, we've got to make it more competitive. It'll be down to who the best man is for the job."