Edwin van der Sar once stood between Manchester United and heartbreak. Now, fifteen years after his retirement, another remarkable chapter awaits one of Old Trafford’s greatest goalkeepers.

The Dutchman arrived from Fulham in 2005, finally providing Sir Alex Ferguson with the commanding presence United had desperately missed since Peter Schmeichel’s departure.

Over six unforgettable seasons, he won four Premier League titles, the Club World Cup and the 2008 Champions League.

His defining moment came in Moscow, when he saved Nicolas Anelka’s penalty to secure European glory against Chelsea.

Alongside current United manager Michael Carrick, Van der Sar helped establish one of Ferguson’s most formidable teams.

Carrick now faces a considerably different challenge.

Despite Tuesday’s extraordinary 3-2 comeback against AS Roma, which saw Matheus Cunha score twice to end United’s nine-match winless streak, his managerial future remains uncertain.

Van der Sar has previously been linked with an Old Trafford return, having held discussions with United regarding a potential executive role earlier this year.

In September, he also confirmed another appearance between the posts for a charity fixture.

Now, the 56-year-old has officially been named in another squad, confirming an emotional return to familiar surroundings.

Edwin van der Sar return officially confirmed

Ajax have officially confirmed Van der Sar’s inclusion in their Legends squad to face Barcelona Legends on Sunday, 15 November.

The encounter will take place at the Johan Cruijff ArenA, honouring legendary Dutch footballer Johan Cruyff, who died in 2016.

Van der Sar previously represented Ajax between 1990 and 1999, winning four Eredivisie titles and the 1995 Champions League under Louis van Gaal.

He subsequently returned as marketing director in 2012 before becoming CEO in 2016, eventually departing in 2023.

The goalkeeper will reunite with several legendary former teammates, including Patrick Kluivert, Frank de Boer, Ronald de Boer, Jari Litmanen and Wesley Sneijder.

All proceeds will support the Johan Cruyff Foundation, helping provide sporting opportunities for disadvantaged children.

Although this is a one-off legends appearance rather than a permanent appointment, supporters will have another opportunity to witness one of football’s finest goalkeepers in action.