Ajax chief Edwin Van Der Sar open to return to Man Utd as director of football
The Dutchman admitted he could return to Old Trafford in the administrative role
EDWIN VAN DER SAR has admitted he could return to Manchester United as director of football.
The former stopper is currently CEO at Ajax but left the door open for an Old Trafford return calling it a "special place".
Van der Sar, 48, played for the Red Devils from 2005-2011 and moved into football administration after his retirement.
Having played for Ajax between 1990 and 1999, Van der Sar became their marketing director in November 2012 and eventually made his way up the ladder to become CEO towards the end of 2016.
Return to United
The Dutchman works alongside former Arsenal winger Marc Overmars who is the club's technical director.
Despite Ajax's recent Champions League success, including a famous victory over Real Madrid, the former Fulham and Juventus man told The he would be open to a return to Manchester - but not just yet.
He said: "I'm really happy in Amsterdam and we're not finished yet.
"Marc (Overmars) always said you want to touch the crossbar.
"What he means is we want to reach a high point and that's what we want to do for another couple of years."
The legendary keeper admitted he is still friends with Sir Alex Ferguson, David Gill and Ed Woodward and also has a house in Alderley Edge which could pave the way for a return.
United is a special place
Edwin van der Sar
He said: "United is a much bigger challenge than Ajax.
"They're not just a big and famous club but also a worldwide brand, yet when you're inside, it's still a family place.
"The washing ladies, Mike the chef, Kath (the receptionist), they're still there.
"You need to cherish that and Ole (Gunnar Solskjaer) is doing a great job at it."
The Dutchman reserved special praise for current United chief Woodward.
"Also Ed, I have utmost respect for him and what he does for the club so I don't need to be the big man.
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"I want to feel I can contribute and you can only do it for something you believe in.
"United is a special place, who knows, eventually but for now I'm here."
Ajax face Juventus in the first-leg of the Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday.
Van der Sar scored the only goal of his career for Ajax when he struck an 85th minute penalty in an 8-1 victory over De Graafschap in 1998.
