Ben Foster reveals Edwin van der Sar issue that forced his Manchester United exit

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster has revealed that being in the shadow of renowned shot-stopper Edwin van der Sar was one of the factors that led to his departure from Old Trafford.

Watford’s goalkeeper spent five years at United, appearing in 12 Premier League games. Foster spent two seasons on loan after signing for United, assisting Watford to achieve promotion to the Premier League in 2006.

Foster has admitted that after securing his huge move to United, his anxiety got the best of him. He’s also stated that the presence of Van der Sar increased the strain on his shoulders to the point where he was obliged to search for a move away from Old Trafford.

“I was really nervous; I couldn’t handle it,” he admitted on the UTD Podcast. “I knew I couldn’t do what that person could do, so I’m always thinking in the back of my mind that everyone’s going to say, ‘Well, you can’t fill his boots.'”

“They were correct. They must be correct since [he is] one of the best goalies to have done it. That was constantly at the back of my thoughts.

“Toward the conclusion of the season, when I actually left, I just thought, ‘I need to go now.'” I can’t stay in Edwin van der Sar’s shadow because I can’t do what that guy can.”