Edwin's Ronaldo warning

Dutchman eager to see his team-mate stay at Old Trafford

Last updated: 29th July 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Edwin's Ronaldo warning

Van der Sar: Remains a class act

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Edwin van der Sar has added his voice to the seemingly never ending saga that is Cristiano Ronaldo's purported move to Real Madrid.

Manchester United's goalkeeper has been monitoring the transfer story of the summer from afar, albeit with a vested interest as to where his team-mate ends up.

The Dutchman accepts that Ronaldo may have his reasons for being tempted by a switch to Spain, but the 37-year-old can see no feasible explanation for why a player would want to quit Old Trafford.

"There have been a lot of things said and it is a very personal situation but we have a great team here, we play in a great stadium, with great fans and we have an opportunity to win more," he said.

"It is not that the team is going backwards.

"We have other trophies to play for, like the Super Cup and Intercontinental Cup. You don't get the chance to play in those competitions very often because you need to win the Champions League in order to qualify.

"In my opinion, being at Manchester United is a great way to play at the highest level and win trophies with a team that is very closely knitted together.

"Cristiano also has a contract here. Sometimes things change but we have a good squad here without any question."

While Ronaldo's future remains the subject of conjecture, Van der Sar has been left to reflect that his own place in Sir Alex Ferguson's first XI is under threat.

Foster challenge

Ben Foster's return from a cruciate ligament injury will see the England hopeful press his own claims for regular playing time at Old Trafford, but Van der Sar has no intention of relinquishing his No.1 spot anytime soon.

"Ben is a good goalkeeper, there is no question about that," said Van der Sar.

"But the same can be said of myself and Tomasz Kuszczak.

"We are all working hard to reach the highest level we can but people tend to be focused on Ben because they relate it to the England situation.

"I don't really care who is behind me, I just want to keep the jersey. That means I have to perform and make sure I am fit and playing at the level everyone wants me to be at."

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