Van der Sar extends United contract

Manchester United FC goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has signed a new 12-month contract that will keep him at Old Trafford beyond his 40th birthday.

Van der Sar, who begins his fifth decade on 29 October, has agreed a deal until June 2011 at United, the club he joined in 2005 from Fulham FC. The Netherlands' most-capped player with 130 appearances, Van der Sar has helped United to three consecutive Premier League titles and also won the 2007/08 UEFA Champions League, a competition in which he first tasted success with AFC Ajax 13 years earlier. He also won the UEFA Cup and UEFA Super Cup, plus four league titles, at Ajax prior to a spell at Juventus.

"Edwin's professionalism and dedication to his job and the way he looks after himself has given him the longevity in the game," manager Sir Alex Ferguson told ManUtd.com. "That longevity includes such great experience not just at United, but at Juventus, Ajax and on an international level. We are absolutely delighted he is continuing for another year."

Having returned last month from compassionate leave due to his wife's illness to pass 200 United appearances, Van der Sar said: "I still feel good and am enjoying my football. This is a great club and I was shown a great deal of compassion and support during a difficult time in December and January for which I am extremely grateful. I am looking forward to winning more trophies with this great team." United welcome AC Milan for the second leg of their UEFA Champions League first knockout round tie on 10 March with Van der Sar's side 3-2 up.