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Edwin van der Sar 'still learning'

Pa
Friday 22 April 2011 14:09 BST
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Veteran Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar says he is still learning new tricks at 40.

The Dutchman retires at the end of the season with Sir Alex Ferguson's side on course to regain the Barclays Premier League title.

United face Everton tomorrow at Old Trafford and Van der Sar has no intention of taking his foot off the pedal even though the clock is ticking down on a glorious career.

He said: "It is not just during the games, even in training you are always learning.

"That's very important because every time you step out onto the pitch you have to be on your toes and ready for all the things that can happen."

United boss Ferguson could ring the changes following the goalless draw at Newcastle in midweek.

Rio Ferdinand, Dimitar Berbatov, Antonio Valencia, Park Ji-sung might return to the starting line-up but Paul Scholes is sidelined through suspension.

Van der Sar claims United have an ideal blend of players to call on.

"On the one hand you have a young player who brings maybe enthusiasm and fresh legs, " he said.

"The on the other you have the experienced guys, who have the knowledge and the composure in important situations."

Chelsea and Arsenal are still in with a chance of the title and Van der Sar added: "It is important to know what other teams are doing and to see how they are in winning and losing positions."

Meanwhile Manchester United and former player David Beckham continue to lead the Forbes lists of the most valuable teams and highest-paid players.

The American business magazine ranks United as being worth 1.86 billion US dollars (£1.12bn), ahead of Real Madrid (£900million) and Arsenal (£700m).

Two other Premier League sides are in the top 10, with Chelsea (£400m) in seventh place and Liverpool (£332m) in ninth.

England midfielder Beckham continues to dominate the list of highest-paid players thanks to recent endorsement deals with Pepsi and Electronic Arts.

His earnings last year were estimated at 40 million US dollars (£24m), ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo (£23m) and Lionel Messi (£19m).

It is the seventh consecutive year that United have topped the Forbes list and Real Madrid and Arsenal, now under the control of majority shareholder Stan Kroenke, remain second and third.

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