Throw in Raimond Van der Gouw, Andy Goram and Ricardo, who also featured in the wake of Peter Schmeichel's departure in 1999 after his long spell in United's goal, and the problems Ferguson once endured with the No1 jersey are there for all to see. Some may claim that keeping goal for a club like United is not the most demanding task but try telling that to Mark Bosnich, Massimo Taibi, Fabien Barthez, Roy Carroll and Tim Howard, who all suffered chastening experiences prior to Van der Sar's arrival. Ferguson made a point of acknowledging the part other men have played in helping United become so difficult to penetrate "even when we have made changes", although as the last line of defence it is Van der Sar who merits the most praise. If he completes another 72 minutes without conceding a goal against Everton on Saturday, Van der Sar will take possession of the all-time league record, which has been held by Steve Death, the former Reading goalkeeper, since August 1979. That tells you everything about his desire." he's as happy in the dressing room now as he was when he saved that penalty kick in Moscow. "For Edwin van der Sar, a man who has achieved everything in the game. "It's a fantastic performance," said Ferguson, reflecting on the time that has passed since Samir Nasri scored his second for Arsenal in United's defeat at the Emirates in November. Michael Carrick cleared off the line in the fourth minute and Ryan Donk later hammered a vicious shot against the near upright, yet for all that there was a sense of inevitability that Van der Sar and United would depart without their defence being breached. Despite the margin of victory, Van der Sar was not without his nervous moments against a belligerent West Bromwich Albion side.
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