Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar says he doesn't want to wait around now that he's fully fit.

Sitting on the sidelines since breaking two fingers during a pre-season encounter with Bayern Munich has been a frustrating experience for a player who will celebrate his 39th birthday later this month.

Van der Sar knows the end of his career is approaching, even though he will not make a decision about his short-term future until later this year, and he does not want to miss any more action.

"I want my place back," he said.

"Playing in the reserves on Tuesday was an ideal moment for me to get a game under my belt before the Premier League begins again after the international break. I needed a game."