Edwin has extended break

While the majority of United's players return to Carrington for pre-season training on Wednesday, Edwin van der Sar has been given special dispensation to check in whenever he pleases.

The veteran Dutch goalkeeper was a key figure in Holland's charge to the Euro 2008 quarter-finals but now, having retired from the international game and ended a successful but arduous season, Sir Alex Ferguson only wants his number one to return when he is good and ready.

"He’ll get a good break now, I’ve told him to have as much holiday as he wants because at his age he knows what’s best for him," revealed the United manager. "He’ll be back and hopefully he has another great season for us."

Having brought the curtain down on an illustrious international career just weeks after clinching his second European Cup winner's medal, van der Sar has been the recipient of plenty of praise of late - and deservedly so, according to Sir Alex.

"He’s looked after himself, that’s the key to it," he said. "He’s won the European Cup twice and lost another final, so he’s had three finals and a fantastic career. He’s had over 130 caps for his country, he doesn’t need to trumpet his achievements. He’s a modest lad and down to earth."