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Edwin van der Sar will hang up his gloves most likely after this season, says Manchester United goalkeeper coach Eric Steele.
The former Dutch national team member, who will celebrate his fortieth anniversary on October 29, joined the "Red Devils" team from London's Fulham in 2005.
"In my opinion, Edwin has decided that these will be his last years," Steele said to Manchester's evening news show.
"He is a professional and intelligent person. I don't think Eddy will need my or the coach's words to understand when his best years are in the past."
However, Steele did not completely shut the door on E. van der Sar's further career and after the 2010-2011 season, stating that the lack of the FA Cup in the trophy collection could encourage the veteran to continue defending the honor of Man Utd.
"When the rotation of goalkeepers takes place, I have no doubt we will see Edwin knocking on the door and asking the coach to let him on the field in the FA Cup matches," the coach said.
Manchester United have recently been linked with several goalkeepers who could take E. van der Sar's place. According to the press reports, Sir Alex Ferguson, coaching the "Red Devils," is aiming for Gianluigi Buffon from Juventus and Martin Stekelenburg from Ajax to guard the goal.
