Edwin van der Sar returns to Man Utd for first time since brain haemorrhage

26 December 2023 , 22:08

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Edwin van der Sar returns to Man Utd for first time since brain haemorrhage

Edwin van der Sar watched Manchester United's game against Aston Villa on Boxing Day - five months after suffering a brain haemorrhage.

Van der Sar, 53, was admitted to intensive care in July following a bleed on the brain. The festive Premier League clash was his first appearance at Old Trafford since his health scare, as United welcomed him back to his former home with a classy post on X.

The Manchester club, who came back from two goals down to beat Villa 3-2, described Van der Sar as a "Dutch United legend" and added: "It's so good to see you looking so well."

Van der Sar took selfies with fans and signed autographs on his return to Old Trafford. United supporters will be delighted to see the ex-goalkeeper doing well after his successful spell at the club between 2005 and 2011, helping them win 11 trophies.

Football fans were left in shock when Van der Sar was rushed to hospital in July. He reassured and thanked them for their support at the start of his recovery. "First of all, we want to thank everyone for all the great and supportive messages," he wrote on X.

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"I’m happy to share that I’m no longer in the intensive care unit. However, I’m still in hospital. I hope to go home next week and take the next step in my recovery!"

The likes of David Seaman and Rio Ferdinand offered their support, while the Premier League's official X account posted: "Wishing you all the best in your recovery, Edwin." United also wrote: "Sending all our love and strength to you, Edwin."

Edwin van der Sar was at Old Trafford on Boxing Day (@ManUtd)

Van der Sar spent six years at Manchester United during his playing days (Getty Images)

Write your message of support to Edwin van der Sar in the comments below!

Van der Sar replied to United's post on X two months later by writing: "Many thanks Manchester United and hope to see you soon at Old Trafford". The goalkeeper kept that promise by appearing at the famous old stadium on Boxing Day and interacting with fans.

Van der Sar is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers of his generation after a stellar career with Ajax, Juventus, Fulham, United and the Netherlands. He played more than 900 first-team games for club and country before retiring as a professional aged 40.

The goalkeeper won countless trophies, including four Eredivisie titles and four Premier League titles. He lifted the Champions League with both Ajax and United, and he was included in the PFA's Premier League Team of the Year three times.

Van der Sar became Ajax's marketing director in 2012 and was promoted to CEO four years later. He left the role in May, just two months before suffering a brain haemorrhage.

Tom Blow