Van Der Sar Retires: Who Will Be The Next Manchester United No. 1?

Edwin Van Der Sar has, today, advised Manchester United that he will be retiring from professional football when the current Premier League season finishes.

It brings an end to an extremely successful career that boasts two Champions League trophies, three Premier League titles, one Carling Cup and one UEFA Cup, to name a few. 

But, amongst all the praise for the Dutchman one question needs to be asked—Who will replace Van der Sar?

Here are four candidates who, I believe, are worthy of filling Van der Sar's shoes.

Manuel Neuer (Schalke 04)

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DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA - JULY 07: Manuel Neuer of Germany takes a goal kick during the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Semi Final match between Germany and Spain at Durban Stadium on July 7, 2010 in Durban, South Africa. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Image

The German No. 1 is considered as one of the finest young goalkeepers in the world and has attracted interest from the likes of Bayern Munich after his impressive ball distribution and reflex saves at the FIFA World Cup in South Africa last year. 

The 24-year-old has already declared his interest in moving to a bigger club but his manager says that he will not let him go unless they get the right offer.

Hugo Lloris (Lyon)

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POLOKWANE, SOUTH AFRICA - JUNE 17: Hugo Lloris of France is dejected after conceding a goal during the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Group A match between France and Mexico at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on June 17, 2010 in Polokwane, South Africa. (Pho

Next up is France and Lyon keeper Hugo Lloris.

After making the switch from Nice to Lyon in 2008, Lloris was instantly recognized for his aerial agility and overall dependability. The Frenchman quickly made an impression and shortly became the No.1 for the French national team.

Yet it appears that Lloris is happy at Lyon and has no intention to move to a bigger club such as Manchester United.

Igor Akinfeev (CSKA Moscow)

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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 03: Igor Akinfeev of CSKA Moscow issues instructions during the UEFA Champions League Group B match between Manchester United and CSKA Moscow at Old Trafford on November 3, 2009 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Re

Akinfeev has enjoyed a fantastic start to his career, winning various domestic trophies and a UEFA Cup title with Russian club, CSKA Moscow, after breaking in to the first team at the young age of 17. Then, just a year later, Igor gained his first Russian international cap at the age of 18.

At only 24, Akinfeev is the captain of both CSKA Moscow and the Russian national team (short-term)—a remarkable feat for someone so young.

With all his experience, Akinfeev may just be the man to fill Edwin Van der Sar's shoes.

Should Manchester United chose the Russian as their No. 1 it would take a big offer to lure him away from Moscow.

David De Gea (Atletico Madrid)

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MADRID, SPAIN - DECEMBER 01: Goalkeeper David de Gea of Atletico Madrid reacts during the Europea League match between Atletico Madrid and Aris Thessaloniki at the Vicente Calderon Stadium on December 1, 2010 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Jasper Juinen/Ge

Atletico Madrid's David De Gea is widely tipped as the favorite to be the next Manchester United Goalkeeper.

At only 20, the young Spaniard has made 60 appearances for his club—earning 20 clean sheets in that time. His superb showings have attracted interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona but it is understood De Gea doesn't want to move to either club.

Like Akinfeev, if Sir Alex Ferguson does choose to pick De Gea as Van der Sar's successor he will have to come up with a big offer for the youngster as Atletico say they will not let their young No. 1 leave for a cheap fee.