The legendary goalkeeper opens up on the executive role he was offered at Old Trafford and gives his verdict on United’s new No.1, Senne Lammens.
The Ed Woodward Conversations: What Could Have Been
Manchester United fans have long clamored for Edwin van der Sar to return to Old Trafford in a boardroom capacity. Now, the 55-year-old has confirmed that a return was closer than many realized.
Speaking on The Overlap, the Dutchman revealed he held two separate rounds of discussions with former Executive Vice-Chairman Ed Woodward regarding a senior role at the club.
“I spoke to Ed Woodward twice about taking up a role, probably alongside him,” Van der Sar admitted. However, his loyalty to Ajax at the time proved to be the deciding factor. “I didn’t think my job was finished at Ajax. We were on a path, and we were not there yet.”
From Onana to Lammens: Van der Sar’s Goalkeeper Verdict
With Andre Onana currently on loan at Trabzonspor, the spotlight at Old Trafford has shifted to Belgian youngster Senne Lammens. Van der Sar, who knows a thing or two about the pressure of the United goal, has been impressed by the new arrival’s transition to the Premier League.
“He certainly looks like he knows the physicality of the league,” Van der Sar noted. “I see him coming for balls at the penalty spot and claiming them with confidence. He looks like he has the ‘package’ to be at United for a long time.”
A Future Return?
While Van der Sar is currently enjoying his hiatus from football including a two-month trip to New Zealand with his wife Annemarie the door to a future role in football remains a possibility. After three years of recovery following his brain haemorrhage, the “Flying Dutchman” is finally stress-free, but his insights into United’s structure suggest he still keeps a very close eye on his former home.
Siara Costa is a football editor and writer covering both European men’s and women’s football, with a focus on league competitions, match coverage, and in-depth storytelling.
