Edwin van der Sar 'to snub Manchester United return'

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 05 May 2019

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar will reportedly turn down the chance to return to the club as technical director in favour of staying at Ajax.

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar will reportedly turn down the chance to return to the club as their new technical director.

United have identified a number of possible candidates for the newly-created role at Old Trafford, and Van der Sar was understood to be near the top of the list having impressed as chief executive at Champions League semi-finalists Ajax.

The Dutch giants are on course for a treble this season under Van der Sar's tenure, and The Mirror reports that the 48-year-old former goalkeeper has now decided to stay at the club amid interest from United.

Van der Sar reportedly views the United post as a step down from his role at Ajax, where he works closely with director of football Marc Overmars.

Other candidates for the role are understood to include Van der Sar's former teammate Rio Ferdinand and current assistant manager Mike Phelan, the latter of whom is thought to be Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's preferred choice.

Van der Sar spent six years as a player at United, winning four Premier League titles, the Champions League, a League Cup and the Club World Cup during that time.