Edwin returned after a frustrating season's start to marshall the defence with aplomb...Story of the season A broken finger and hand injury in United’s pre-season clash with Bayern Munich disrupted Edwin’s start to 2009/10; he had to wait until 17 October for his first competitive outing, the 2-1 home win over Bolton Wanderers. But that was one of only five league starts before mid-January, a knee problem and family illness curtailing his involvement till the New Year. “It’s been a stop-start season for me which has been frustrating,” he said on his return. “But to finally play again feels great.” The feeling was mutual for United. From his first game back, a 3-0 win over Burnley – in which he became United’s oldest post-War player at 39 years 79 days – he proved as influential as ever. His cool, calm demeanour, experience, still-agile shot-stopping and outstanding distribution were major assets to the team. The back five looked solid again, and Edwin was at the heart of it.
Finest moment A save in a 4-0 win at Bolton might not seem like much excuse to crack open the bubbly, but Edwin’s stunning fingertip stop from Fabrice Muamba – which won ManUtd.com’s Save of the Season award – was a season standout. Against the run of play, the Reds had opened the scoring with a bizarre Jlloyd Samuel own-goal in a game where the home side constantly threatened. Only a flying leap from van der Sar stopped Muamba’s prodded shot from finding the top corner. Half-time came, the tide turned at the Reebok, and United ran out comfortable winners.
What’s in store? Despite speculation throughout the season that Edwin was on the verge of retirement, he signed a one-year contract extension and will remain a calming influence on both players and fans for one more term at least. Beyond that only time will tell but, at these high levels, who knows?
ManUtd.Com
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