Record talk bores Van der Sar

Edwin Van der Sar is getting so tired of talking about his record goalkeeping exploits he is preparing to let one in, just to bring his run to an end.

The Dutchman's throw-away comment was a joke of course. But after over 20 hours, Van der Sar is running out of things to say about himself.

"It is getting annoying now so maybe I will do it in one or two games," he laughed.

"It is great of course but the records will only be important at the end of the season.

"If we end up losing another four or five games before the end of the season we probably won't be the champions and the goal is to win it.

"It is a halfway point. You take it on board but you don't celebrate."

Van der Sar certainly deserves some recognition though after a staggering run of 13 successive Barclays Premier League clean sheets that dates back to a November 8 defeat by Arsenal.

At that time it appeared the Red Devils were facing a major struggle to complete a title hat-trick. Now, few would be surprised if the name Manchester United had to be carved on every trophy they are still competing for.

An FA Cup tie at Derby is followed by Fulham at Old Trafford in a game that was originally postponed last August; the meeting with his old club providing van der Sar with an opportunity to stretch his British best to world record proportions.

"When you talk about this achievement it is all about the team," he said.

"It is about organisation and trusting each other.

"If Rio steps to the right you know Vidic will follow. It is about knowing Rafael will come inside, or when Michael Carrick is going to block a shot from distance.

"It is magnificent. Hopefully we can keep it going for a while."

Van der Sar almost makes it like ballet, such is the unison he feels United's defence is working in just now.

There was nothing poetic about the way United shut out West Ham yesterday though. Just a slow strangulation as it became increasingly apparent the Hammers were not going to find a way through once Ryan Giggs had lashed home the right-footed shot that had Sir Alex Ferguson trawling his memory bank for a similar effort from the veteran Welshman.

Six one-nil scorelines in a run of eight successive wins has a hint of the George Graham's about it, boring some might say.

Not within Ferguson's earshot of course and not according to van der Sar, just a methodical pursuit of perfection.

"We are getting on with our business quietly but confidently," said the 38-year-old.

"Everybody is out to get us because we are champions and because of the record, which just makes things harder.

"But we are very determined to keep this run going."

If anyone exemplifies that attitude, it is Giggs, who has steadfastly remained out of the limelight ever since David Beckham decided he quite liked it.

At 35, Giggs is now the only player to have scored in every season the Premier League has been in existence, another accolade to go along with his 10 championship medals, two European Cups and all the rest.

From one veteran to another, van der Sar can only offer the fullest of tributes.

"Ryan probably doesn't play as many games as he wants to, but every time he comes in he does a job," he said.

"In fact, he does more than that. He keeps putting in performances as if he was still 24 or 25.

"It's a joy to play with him."

Giggs will probably be rested on Sunday, when United head to Pride Park for the second time this season.

However, Patrice Evra, Wes Brown and Wayne Rooney should have benefited from an extra week's training and are expected to be included in Ferguson's squad.