Video: Edwin's farewell

Edwin van der Sar made an emotional speech on the Old Trafford pitch on Sunday afternoon, shortly after full-time in his final league appearance in professional football - United's 4-2 win over Blackpool.

The Dutch goalkeeper was handed the microphone by Sir Alex Ferguson, who described the retiring 40 year-old affectionately as "this big lump of a man standing beside me."

Van der Sar told the Old Trafford faithful, "I want to thank the manager, he bought me six years ago, maybe a couple of years too late. I wish I'd done it [joined United] earlier. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here. The fans and the other players have been magnificent. I'll always keep a warm place in my heart for Manchester United, the world's biggest club."

Edwin still has one more competitive match to play of course - the Champions League final against Barcelona. "See you next Saturday. Let's get that trophy."

More: Blackpool match report | Van der Sar almost U-turned | Club confirm Hargreaves exit