Sar's

If it is unlikely that over the course of his playing career Krul will amass a collection of honours to match that of Van der Sar's, the 23-year-old is in the sort of form that suggests he can achieve much within the game, whether at Newcastle United or elsewhere.

Newcastle's Tim Krul inspired by Dutch compatriot Edwin van der Sar 2011

The former, however, is confident price will not be a factor in deciding who establishes themselves as Edwin van der Sar's long-term successor.

Manchester United face toughest title defence, says Darren Fletcher 2011

Arsenal's goalkeeping crisis has not gone unnoticed; nor has Edwin van der Sar's imminent retirement at Manchester United.

I'm happy but I won't swear eternal love to anyone, says Pepe Reina 2011

And if Rincón holds De Gea to his representation contract until that date, it is conceivable that United would not have access to Van der Sar's replacement until more than a fortnight after the season starts.

Ken Bates faces parliamentary probe into Leeds ownership saga 2011

And if Rincón holds De Gea to his representation contract until that date, it is conceivable that United would not have access to Van der Sar's replacement until more than a fortnight after the season starts.

Ken Bates faces parliamentary probe into Leeds ownership saga 2011

Even so, the game would most likely have moved beyond the reach of United regardless of Van der Sar's mishap.

Barcelona turn Manchester United into a mere irrelevance 2011

Otherwise, Van der Sar's story at Old Trafford has been a demonstration of long, calm assurance, incorporating two Champions League finals, three league titles and a place in the record books for not conceding a league goal during 1,311 minutes of play over a three-month period in the 2008-09 season.

Edwin van der Sar at 40: Manchester United's iceman stays cool Daniel Taylor 2010

Joop Hiele, Van der Sar's former keeping coach, once explained why he had played so long at the top: Goalkeeping is registering the situation, recognising it and finding the solution.

Edwin van der Sar at 40: Manchester United's iceman stays cool Daniel Taylor 2010

Those two men provide the most impenetrable barrier to Edwin van der Sar's goal.

Chris Smalling helps make a shaky case for Manchester United's defence 2011

Van der Sar's weak clearance led to an opening for Yaya Touré, who slid his shot past the veteran goalkeeper, taking a just reward for an individual performance that began quietly but gradually turned into a demonstration of the Ivorian's ability to get himself into the right place at the right time without the apparent need to hurry.

Manchester City show the desire required to make it to FA Cup final 2011