Van der Sar stays away from Man Utd to be with ill wife

The wife Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar is seriously ill after suffering a stroke, it has been reported.

Van der Sar is at his wife Annmarie van Kesteren’s hospital bedside in Holland awaiting test results.

The Daily Mail Annmarie collapsed at home last Wednesday as Van der Sar and the couple’s two children, Joe and Lynn, were preparing to celebrate Christmas.

Out of action in recent weeks with a knee injury, Van der Sar had been given permission by United boss Sir Alex Ferguson to return to his homeland for the festive period and to receive treatment from the Holland team doctor.

The 39-year-old former international is not expected back in Manchester until more is known about his wife’s condition.

Van der Sar is United’s No 1 and has been considering an offer to stay at the club for another season.