Van der Sar Given Compassionate Leave

[WatchMUFC]

United keeper Edwin van der Sar has been given indefinite compassionate leave to visit his ill wife in the Netherlands.

Annemarie van Kesteren, 36, suffered a brain haemorrhage on 23 December.

"Annemarie had a problem over in Holland a week ago and has been admitted to hospital," said United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

"That is the best place for her to be. They have examined her twice and are trying to get to the root of it."

Van der Sar, 39, has not played since suffering a knee injury in United's 3-0 win over Everton on 21 November.

And the Dutchman has been told to take as long as he needs before returning to play for United.

"I have told Edwin to stay over there. There is no point in him being here," added Ferguson.

"The best thing is for him to be with his wife. Hopefully she will make a good recovery."

Van der Sar had been in his homeland to receive treatment from the Holland team doctor for his knee injury when his wife collapsed.

bbc source

[DaleDaManc]

hope she recovers.

[Phil-M.U.F.C.]

Yeah let's hope she has a speedy recovery.

[Dj Quick]

Wishing the big man all the best to him and his wife at this tough time. if he took early retirement at this stage nobody could blame him hes bigger things to worry about.

[Phil-M.U.F.C.]

Don't think he's coming back, first his knee injury then his wife.

[Vazza]

hmmm hopes for the best.............. thank god tomas well set "_
byebye foster []

[Hyltz'.]

It wouldn't surprise me either if VDS has already played his last game for United.
He has more important things to concern himself with at the moment, worrying about his wife, than trying to get back to football.
When Annemarie does eventually leave hospital I doubt that he would want to be too far away from her, at least for the foreseeable future.
This was probably to be Edwin's last season for us so I think SAF is resigned to the fact that VDS needs to be with her full time, so more than likely won't be coming back.

Edwin has been a marvelous asset to United in the three and a half years he has been with us and we will all miss him.
I think he has proven himself to be the best 'Stopper' we've had since the days of the great Peter Schmeichel and should he not return then will also be a talent difficult to replace.

All our thoughts go out to Edwin & Annemarie at this time and god speed her a full recovery.

[Phil-M.U.F.C.]

Well said mate.

[RedDevi1z]

That's a bummer. I feel bad for him and hope for the best.

[DaleDaManc]

its not as bad as feared he will be back soon .