Edwin van der Sar has downplayed reports linking him with a return to Manchester United.
The former goalkeeper enjoyed great success with the club as a player, winning the Champions League in 2008.
Since hanging up the gloves, he has enjoyed fantastic success as CEO of Ajax.
As a former United player and competent member of a functional club’s boardroom, many fans have harbored hope that Van der Sar can provide stability at Old Trafford once again, this time from the top.
Reports earlier in the week suggested those hopes were close to becoming reality, with a formal approach even underway.
However, Van der Sar has poured cold water on those notions.
“It’s never been this close,” he said.
“I have a good relationship with the Man United board and I had a fantastic six years at Manchester, but I’m not done here yet.”
Ajax manager Edwin Van der Sar on links with Manchester United: “It’s never been this close,” he tells The Times. ???? #MUFC
“I have a good relationship with the Man United board of directors and I had a fantastic six years at Manchester, but I’m not done here. [at Ajax] still”. pic.twitter.com/Dv0a7lgQRT
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 23, 2022
With his role at Ajax, another club where he is held in high esteem, an ideal role for him, Van der Sar would never have been considered an easy target.
However, the fact that he kept the door ajar with his comments suggests that this story is likely to resurface in the years to come.
Meanwhile, United are unlikely to hire Van der Sar as director of football any time soon.
John Murtough and Richard Arnold have had mixed starts to their roles and are hoping to win over fans.
