Van der Sar has played an integral part in United's recent success

Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has signed a one-year contract extension to keep him at Old Trafford until 2010.

The 38-year-old Dutchman joined United from Fulham for �5m in 2005 and has made 161 appearances.

"His temperament, professionalism and performance level have not changed one bit since he has been with us," said United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

"Obviously, it will be his last year. He's been absolutely marvellous here."

Since joining United, Van der Sar has won the Premier League twice and the Champions League once.

His save from Nicolas Anelka's penalty handed Ferguson's men victory over Chelsea in Moscow last May.

606: DEBATE Utd are waiting till a decent replacement comes along as neither of our back up keepers are good enough. Hargo4Evra

The former Ajax and Juventus stopper retired from international duty with the Netherlands at the end of Euro 2008, although he returned on a one-off basis during October's World Cup qualifiers because of injuries.

Van der Sar's rivals for the United goalkeeper's jersey, Ben Foster and Tomasz Kuszczak, have so far failed to usurp him on a permanent basis.

"What he has done really well for us over the last couple of years is help to develop the younger goalkeepers," said Ferguson.

"We are using Ben and Tomasz quite a bit now, which allows us to freshen Edwin up for the really important games.

"Edwin has bought in to that very well. He understands the situation completely. He is playing a great part in ensuring the big picture is there for us with Ben and Tomasz."

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