Edwin Van Der Sar has been granted compassionate leave to be by the bedside of his seriously-ill wife. Annemarie van Kesteren collapsed just before Christmas at their home in Holland.

His wife is now in hospital and she has been described as 'very poorly'. United have told him that he can as much time off as he needs to care for her and their two kids.

Annemarie had a problem over in Holland a week ago and has been admitted to hospital. That is the best place for her to be. They have examined her twice and are trying to get to the root of it. I have told Edwin to stay over there. The best thing is for him to be with his wife. Hopefully, she will make a good recovery.

^{Sir Alex Ferguson}