Reality kicks in for Edwin

Edwin van der Sar admits the reality of retiring from football is finally starting to dawn on him.

The popular keeper will play the final matches of a glittering career against Blackpool on Sunday (when he's expected to skipper the United team) and in next weekend's Champions League final against Barcelona at Wembley.

After making the decision to quit earlier in the campaign, the 40-year-old is starting to come to terms with the fact that his time at the top is very nearly over.

"It's started to sink in now, yeah," he told United Review. "Maybe three or four games ago, I wasn't too bothered about it - maybe I was in denial! But now it's definitely closing down quickly.

"I’ll try to keep some spare time, maybe do some coaching badges and some commercial stuff - maybe stuff for the club. I’ll watch some games, spend some time with the family, play some golf, go for weekends away. Hopefully plenty! Of course I’ll miss it, but you have to go at some point."