Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has plans to add goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar to his coaching staff.

Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Gary Neville will take their first steps towards a coaching career next season.

The Manchester United trio will be invited to take sessions at the club's famous academy as part of their development.

All three are working towards their UEFA Pro Licences as they prepare for a second career in the game.

Van der Sar is also being primed for a role as one of United's goalkeeping coaches when he calls time on his United days.

Fergie offered him the chance to become player-coach last season, but the Dutch keeper opted to fight on for the No1 jersey.

He will continue to be United's first choice keeper next season, but he has been lined up for a coaching role when he finally quits.