Stekelenburg to be Man Utd Number One after Van der Sar?

The time of Van der Sar is quickly coming to an end as the Dutch goalkeeper turns 40 this month. Football website Goal is reporting that United have set their sights on another Dutch goalkeeper to fill his gloves, and one who plays for Ajax, the team for which Van der Sar appeared 226 times between 1988 and 1999. Goal said that scouts from Manchester United were sent to compile a report about 28-year old Maarten Stekelenburg in the international match against Finland, and in Ajax’s encounter with Milan in the Champions League. Maarten has a height of 6’6″, and Goal is saying that the battle for his signature may start as early as next January when the transfer season opens.

Ajax will not let him go without justly earning what he’s worth. The reported 11 million Euro price tag is justified and one which Manchester United will surely be able to afford. Reportedly, Manchester United are facing competition from Arsenal for his signature, which have problems in the goalkeeper department with two error-prone keepers Almunia and Fabianski. A formal bid is yet to be tabled for Stekelenburg’s services, but he would be a long-term signing if Man Utd acquired his services. Van der Sar was already 34 when he signed for United, so at 28 years, and considering he goes on to play as long as his Dutch Number One predecessor, Manchester United have a top goalkeeper for the next 12 years.