Fergie on lookout for Van der Sar’s successor

Whoever is expected to fill the boots (or rather, gloves) of Edwin Van der Sar when he eventually hangs them up at the end of the current season, will have an absolutely mammoth task on their hands. The truth is that Peter Schmeichel has never truly been replaced in the eyes of many Manchester United supporters – but that’s not for a lack of trying: Bosnich, van der Gouw, Culkin, Taibi, Rachubka, Barthez, Goram, Caroll, Ricardo and Howard each tried to fill the void left by the “Great Dane”, but all were found wanting, in Taibi’s case comically so. Anyone looking to bet on Champions League football next season will know a replacement is needed and fast.

At the end of the season, Sir Alex Ferguson will once more charged with the impossible task of replacing an Old Trafford ghost – although he will know all too well that one cannot simply buy a readymade legend.

The prime candidates, certainly as far as the fans are concerned, appear to be either Pepe Reina at Liverpool, or Hugo Lloris at Lyon. Reina would of course be first choice – his Champions League, Premier League and international experience would be invaluable to the smooth transition into a side pushing for trophies on all fronts, but Ferguson must know that his chances of securing the Spaniard’s services from their most bitter of rivals would be somewhere between slim and none and the rumour mill suggests he’ll be staying put.

Lloris however, has all the experience without any of the animosity. He is the current Ligue 1 Goalkeeper of the Year and has even captained France on occasion, but his reported £20-25m price-tag would certainly act as a barrier for any potential deal taking him to the English league, especially with FIFA’s Financial Fair-Play rules lurking.

However, At Elland Road, there plays an individual who certainly has the potential to emulate Peter Schmeichel – because he is his son. Kasper Schmiechel has enjoyed a fantastic run of form with the Championship side since leaving Notts County, and with a little patience and some experience at the highest level, there’s no doubt that he can take his old man’s place between the sticks at the Stretford end. The fans would love him, he would be affordable, and although he’d be a gamble, what a legacy for the retiring Ferguson to leave behind.