Edwin keeping a cool head

Manchester United

MANCHESTER United's veteran goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar insists he does not fear facing Barcelona's free–scoring attackers in tonight’s Champions League final.

The 38–year–old has a wealth of experience, having played in three finals and won two of them – with Ajax in 1995 and United last year.

He is also Holland's most–capped player, having been involved in a World Cup and two European championships.

So the thought of facing Samuel Eto'o, Lionel Messi, Xavi and possibly Andres Iniesta and Thierry Henry holds no additional worries for the Dutchman.

"As a goalkeeper you always expect every team to give you nightmares," said Van der Sar.

"Every flaw you have or lapse of concentration can cost you a goal so you have to be on your toes every minute of the game.

"You work hard the whole year to come to certain parts of the season when you can get your hands on some silverware. We did it with the league title and we want to do it now.

"We have experience. We went last year (when United beat Chelsea on penalties) and we know how big the game is. Let's hope we can have some advantage with that."

Van der Sar, who has one year left on his United contract, knows he must savour every moment and seize every opportunity as there will not be many more occasions like this before he has to eventually hang up his gloves.

"It is coming closer and closer," he said on his looming retirement.