Man Utd legend Edwin van der Sar will play at Old Trafford again, almost two years after major health scare

Edwin van der Sar will return to Old Trafford this summer.

The Dutch football legend spent six years at Manchester United during a decorated career.

After retiring from football in 2011, Edwin van der Sar accepted a role in Ajax’s marketing department.

Van der Sar went up the ladder at Ajax and eventually became CEO of his former club in 2016.

Ajax enjoyed lots of success while Van der Sar was in charge of football operations at the club, but he stood down as director general after the team finished third in the 2022/23 Eredivisie season, missing out on a Champions League place.

Van der Sar spent 11 years on the board at Ajax before deciding to take some time away from the sport, although he was often linked with a role at United, which never materialised.

That doesn’t change the fact that United fans will be granted the opportunity to see Van der Sar up close again in the coming months.

Photo by Dave J Hogan/Getty Images
Photo by Dave J Hogan/Getty Images

Edwin van der Sar is playing in Soccer Aid

Almost two years ago, in July 2023, Van der Sar’s life was turned upside down when he suffered a brain haemorrhage while on holiday in Croatia.

Van der Sar has since played in Legends matches to show his remarkable return to full health, and he will do that again this summer, but at Old Trafford for his third Soccer Aid appearance.

It has been announced that the 54-year-old will be back in action at Old Trafford on Sunday, June 15.

Speaking to talkSPORT, Van der Sar expressed happiness at returning to Old Trafford for the charity match.

“It’s great, I’ve played twice at Soccer Aid before and it’s always been an amazing experience,” Van der Sar said.

“You do it for UNICEF, you do it for the children and the cause that you are supporting but also a little bit for yourself. It’s great to be back at Old Trafford, on the pitch again and make a couple of quality saves.

“Hopefully it will be a great match for all the fans attending and who are watching it from the television.”

He added: “I really love that Leonadro Bonnucci is in, he’s only just retired. Nemanja Vidic is there and just the combination with celebrities – actors, magicians, chefs, whatever is a great experience for us.”

Manchester United players involved in Soccer Aid 2025

It will be great to see Van der Sar back at Old Trafford in June.

Following a transfer from Fulham in 2006, Van der Sar made 266 appearances for the Red Devils.

He won four Premier League titles, two League Cups and the Champions League during his time under Sir Alex Ferguson.

However, Van der Sar is not the only United legend taking part in Soccer Aid this year.

The Dutch icon will be joined by Nemanja Vidic in the World XI team, while Wayne Rooney will co-manage the England XI with United fan and legendary boxer Tyson Fury.

Former United captain Gary Neville has been selected as one of the England players and more could be announced before the game.



from United In Focus https://ift.tt/SICBLnG

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