Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson hopes to keep Edwin van der Sar involved once he retires.

The Sun says Fergie will sit down with Manchester United's Dutch keeper after Christmas to discuss keeping him on.

Van der Sar, 40, is set to quit after the current campaign but boss Fergie is keen to put his wealth of experience to good use.

It is believed the stopper's wife Annemarie, who suffered a brain haemorrhage more than a year ago, would like to move back to Holland.

United would prefer to hand Van der Sar a coaching role - but not affecting goalkeeping coach Eric Steele's position - although a key scouting and ambassadorial position is likelier.