In an exclusive interview with UEFA Training Ground, goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar said Manchester United FC "have something to prove with every game" as the English champions prepare for a week of cup action.
Manchester United FC went to the top of the Premier League for the first time this season on Saturday but goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar insists that they cannot take their eye off the ball as they prepare for a big week of cup action.
Cup double The veteran Dutchman was between the posts at the weekend as the English champions defeated Bolton Wanderers FC 1-0 to post a record-equalling tenth successive clean sheet in the league. Tonight, they turn their attentions to the League Cup as they aim to overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit against second-tier Derby County FC at Old Trafford to reach the final at Wembley before taking on Tottenham Hotspur FC in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Saturday.
Exclusive interview In an exclusive interview for the UEFA Training Ground, the 38-year-old Van der Sar, who will be rested this evening, said that despite Manchester United's successes of last season they cannot rest on their laurels. "I think you have something to prove with every game you play," he said. "We won the [UEFA] Champions League and the league last year but if you have a bad start to the next season then you don't have time to enjoy the result from last year and you're going to be attacked from all sides. You don't want that, you want peace and tranquility and you get that by winning games."
Shoot-out star Should tonight's semi-final against Derby end with a 1-0 scoreline to United it would result in a penalty shoot-out, a subject Van der Sar has fond memories of following last season's dramatic UEFA Champions League victory against Chelsea FC. Not surprisingly he names the decisive spot-kick stop to thwart Nicolas Anelka as his favourite. "My best penalty save would be the one in Moscow," he said. "That's the most important one and it doesn't matter if it's a top corner save or whatever, what's important is that you save it. I felt confident and I saved the penalty from Anelka. After that we won the Champions League and of course that's one of the biggest prizes you can get."
Inter test The European champions continue their quest to defend the trophy next month with the first leg of their first knockout round tie against FC Internazionale Milano in Italy on 24 February. Van der Sar will have to be on top form if United are to defeat José Mourinho's side. You can read more of his interview with the UEFA Training Ground by clicking here.
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