What Edwin van der Sar has already said about Man Utd return as Ajax exit confirmed

Edwin van der Sar has already revealed his stance regarding a return to Manchester United.

Van der Sar has resigned from his role as Ajax's chief executive after the Dutch giants finished third in the Eredivisie, missing out on Champions League qualification for the first time since 2009.

The former United goalkeeper joined Ajax’s board back in 2012, before becoming CEO in 2016.

However, after a disappointing season, Van der Sar announced his resignation in a statement. The 52-year-old said: "We have experienced wonderful things together, but it has also been an incredibly tough period.

"I feel the need to take some distance, to get some rest, and to do other things. It doesn't feel good to take decisions about the future of this wonderful club in the coming period. That is why I have decided to resign."

Ajax, champions for the past two seasons, had not finished outside the Eredivisie’s top two for 14 years. Yet this term, they finished some 12 points behind champions Feyenoord, and six behind second-placed PSV Eindhoven.

The Amsterdam-based side also failed to reach the knockout stages of the Champions League and were beaten in the knockout round play-off of the Europa League by Union Berlin.

Van der Sar to Man Utd?

Van der Sar’s departure as Ajax CEO has already led some fans to speculate the former United player could return to Old Trafford.

However back in October, Van der Sar, who spent six successful seasons at United before retiring in 2011, dismissed suggestions he would return to the Premier League giants.

Speaking to The Times of the reoccurring links with a return to United, the football executive said: “It’s never been that close.

“I have a good relationship with the board and I had a fantastic six years in Manchester, but I’m not finished [at Ajax] yet.”

Of course, Van der Sar no longer has Ajax commitments, and a move to United could now be a more realistic proposition.