Edwin – 1,212 and still counting!

The Dutch keeper has not allowed a goal past him for 1,212 minutes, following Manchester United’s 1-0 win over West Ham at Upton Park.

And Van der Sar has now broken the British record set by former Rangers goalkeeper Chris Woods during the first half against the Hammers. The Holland international, who is nicknamed “Flappie” in his homeland because of his ears, expressed his delight with the clean sheet.

“I had to make a couple of saves but the defenders are incredible, how they defend, how they clear the balls,” he told Sky Sports.

“West Ham away has been a difficult match for us over the years so it’s a great result to come away from here with three points and another clean sheet.”

Prior to Van der Sar’s arrival from Fulham in 2005, United had been searching for Peter Schmeichel’s successor to no avail. From former France international Fabien Barthez to the clownish Italian Massimo Taibi, Sir Alex Ferguson certainly had seen many goalkeepers exit Old Trafford.

“I’m proud for Edwin,” Ferguson said.

“At his age he has achieved everything, but you can see the way he is motivated by the challenge of the clean sheets and it’s an extra edge.”

Apart from Van der Sar’s contribution in marshalling the United defence, he only cost the club a little more than £1.5m from the coffers.

For Ferguson, he is “right up there” in any list of the club’s best-value signings.