There have been plenty of pretenders to Peter Schmeichel’s throne since his abdication in 1999. But few have graced the No.1 jersey with such quality and consistency as Edwin van der Sar.

The two differ in style, of course. Schmeichel was famed for furiously bellowing at his back four as well as his brilliant saves. Edwin, however, uses his experience and calm assurance to great effect.

He was undoubtedly key to the Reds’ successive Premier League titles in 2007 and 2008, and his penalty save from Nicolas Anelka in the Champions League final in Moscow is forever etched in United history.

Van der Sar, who arrived at Old Trafford in 2005 at the age 34, is edging closer to his 40th birthday. But old father time has dulled neither his ambition nor his influence.  Age is not a problem, far from it. He helped keep an incredible 24 clean sheets in all competitions in 2007/08.

Edwin’s excellent form last season quickly earned him a contract extension until summer 2009, and international retirement after Euro 2008 will only enhance the stay-fresh effect.

“I still feel very good in terms of fitness,” he says. “And with the way this team plays and everything about the

club, it's a delight to be here.”

He has all the wisdom and know-how between the sticks that you would expect of a goalkeeper that is his nation’s most-capped player and a former UEFA Cup (1992) and Champions League (1995) winner with his first club Ajax in the early nineties. He also won four league titles and three domestic cups with the Amsterdam outfit, before spending two seasons in Serie A with Juventus.

Gianlugi Buffon’s arrival at the Stadio delle Alpi resulted in a £5million switch to Fulham in 2001 at the outset of the Londoners’ Premier League adventure, but after four seasons at

Craven Cottage United came knocking.

He has been a breath of fresh air since arriving at Old Trafford and a crucial component of United's defensive rearguard.

Season 2008/09 presents new challenges. The Reds have Ben Foster and Tomasz Kuszczak waiting in the wings for their chance. But although age may not be on Edwin’s side, experience counts and the towering Dutchman will take some shifting.