Red Devils give VDS special leave

Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has been granted special leave to be with his ill wife. Annemarie van Kesteren suffered a brain hemorrhage on 23 December. She is just 36-years-old. "Annemarie had a problem over in Holland a week ago and has been admitted to hospital," said Red Devils manager Sir Alex Ferguson on Wednesday. "That is the best place for her to be. They have examined her twice and are trying to get to the root of it." Van der Sar has not played since suffering a knee injury in United's 3-0 win over Everton on 21 November. “I have told Edwin to stay over there. There is no point in him being here," added Ferguson. "The best thing is for him to be with his wife. Hopefully she will make a good recovery."