Van der Sar future remains uncertain

Sir Alex Ferguson is still waiting to discover whether Edwin van der Sar intends to extend his career by another season.

Van der Sar celebrated his 39th birthday recently, having started the season on the treatment table after breaking a couple of fingers in a pre-season encounter with Bayern Munich.

The veteran Dutchman's performances have been of their usual top quality, leading to the belief he will sign another one-year contract.

That news will not go down well with either Tomasz Kuszczak or Ben Foster, who expressed his frustration last week at the bizarre situation he finds himself in - back-up at United and a starter in England's last two internationals.

Ferguson remains committed to both men, but he still intends to give Van der Sar as much time as he needs to reach a conclusion about his future.

"I don't know his plans," said the United chief.

"When you get to that age and have a young family, there are a lot of things to consider.

"It is usually sometime in December that he outlines his plans and how long he thinks he can go on.

"He is a very intelligent man, who understands his body better than anyone. He will come to the right decision."

Yet while Ferguson is confident about United's present, he appears equally certain about the future.

While there have been plenty of suggestions that he is seeking reinforcements for his goalkeeping department, the Red Devils chief insists he is fully supportive of Kuszczak and Foster, who is tipped to face Besiktas at Old Trafford tomorrow.

"I have said all along, Ben has terrific ability," said Ferguson.

"He needs plenty of game experience, which he has not got at the moment, but the future rests with him and Tomasz Kuszczak.

"The two of them will fight it out, I am sure of that."