Manchester United goalkeeping legend Peter Schmeichel claims
Ben Foster has limited time to push his claims for a
regular first-team place.
Edwin van der Sar is set
to overcome the thumb injury that has sidelined him since
pre-season within a month and Foster has been criticised after an
unconvincing display during United's 4-3 victory against Manchester
City on Sunday.
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has given Foster the nod ahead
of Polish stopper
Tomasz Kuszczak so far this season, but Old Trafford
legend Schmeichel, who won every major honour bar the Uefa Cup
during his eight-year stint at United in the 1990s, believes that
Ferguson will recall Van der Sar as soon as the 38-year-old returns
to full fitness.
Speaking to United Review, Schmeichel said: "Ben Foster
has done well this season and he certainly looks to be a very good
goalkeeper. He's getting a run of games now, but I'm sure Edwin
will be back in when he's fit because the manager knows he's the
right guy for the team at the moment.
"I think Edwin can keep playing for a few more years yet. He's
fit, he's strong and he's motivated. I think he wants more
silverware and, when you want more, you can go on. I was offered
another year before I retired at 40 and, physically, I was pretty
sure I could have done it, but I just didn't want to.
"Physically, it shouldn't be a problem for Edwin to carry on and
if he wants to, then I'm sure he'll take that opportunity."
United have been linked with Schalke goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and
CSKA Moscow's Igor Akinfeev already this season as potential
replacements for Van der Sar.
