Van der Sar's exit poses big problems for Fergie

Manchester United's success this season has been built more on gritty defensive displays rather than the swashbuckling attacking style of recent campaigns, which means the retirement of goalkeeping rock Edwin Van der Sar at the end of the season will cause some consternation among the Stretford End faithful.

The Dutchman had been considering leaving Old Trafford since his wife collapsed with a brain haemorrhage in December 2009 and his desire to quit is fuelled by a wish to spend more time with his family.

However, at 40 it was only a matter of time before the former Ajax stopper called it a day and his departure could once again highlight a problem area for the Red Devils and manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

Van der Sar joined United in 2005 and the greatest compliment that can be paid to the man is that he finally filled the boots of legendary stopper Peter Schmeichel, who had departed six years before.

Before his arrival from Fulham, United had struggled to find a replacement with Ferguson turning to a succession of hopefuls including Mark Bosnich, Raimond van der Gouw, Fabien Barthez, Tim Howard and the woeful Massimo Taibi among others.

Huge cost

Understudies to the Dutchman have also been in short supply with English hopeful Ben Foster shipped out to Birmingham, while doubts remain over current reserves Tomasz Kuszczak and Anders Lindegaard.

United fans will be anxious that a suitable replacement can be found in the summer, but as Arsene Wenger has found to his cost at Arsenal, world-class stoppers are in short supply.

Ferguson may have to make a significant investment to get his man, with Germany international Manuel Neuer and Van der Sar's fellow countryman Maarten Stekelenburg being touted as possible signings, along with Atletico Madrid youngster David de Gea. Liverpool's Pepe Reina and Italian stopper Gianluigi Buffon have also been linked to Old Trafford.

Whoever Ferguson turns to, it will be an emotional farewell for Van der Sar who has been a popular signing with the United faithful. The question is, when will they see his likes again?

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Will the team be able to hold it together when Van der Sar retires? Will it be as big a struggle to replace him as it was to replace Schmeichel? Who do you think can can take his place? Tell us by posting a commnet below.