Manchester United Dugout

Edwin van der Sar came very close to extending his United career, Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed.

The 40 year-old Dutch goalkeeper announced his decision to retire at the end of the 2010/11 season on 27 January but this week, with the veteran's final games looming, he started having second thoughts and went to see his manager.

"Edwin decided he wants to go out at the top, though he did have a wobble last week," said Sir Alex, in his exclusive column for United Review - the Reds' official match day programme.

"Edwin came to see me and told me he was thinking about changing his mind. I had to tell him to be quick about it because we are in the middle of concluding a deal for a new keeper.

"He came back a couple of days later to say he would be sticking with his original decision to go, which I think at his age,41 next birthday, is the right thing for him to do."

Van der Sar consequently remains on track to make his final competitive appearance in the Champions League final against Barcelona on 28 May. The corresponding fixture in 1999 was Peter Schmeichel's last game for Manchester United, although the Great Dane went on to play for Sporting Lisbon, Aston Villa and Manchester City before he retired.

Gary Neville played one final game at Old Trafford on Tuesday against Juventus for his testimonial match which the Italian side won 2-1.

To celebrate Neville's illustrious career, Manchester United had decided to host a friendly clash with Juventus for Gary Neville's testimonial match.

The star at the match was of course, Gary Neville, but it was a treat for over 40,000 fans who were at Old Trafford to witness former favourites Nicky Butt, Phil Neville and David Beckham all in action.

Here are some snaps from Gary's big night.

Manchester United would have created history last year by becoming the only football club to win more number of league titles in England. They came close but failed to achieve their target by 1 point as Chelsea became champions.

Fast forward one season and Manchester United have created history. They have knocked Liverpool off their perch by winning their 19th League Title, the most any team has ever won in the English League.

Surely, United won't stop at 19 and continue to win more trophies. Thats how champions go about in their game.

Here are some of the best snaps showing what #19 means to everyone associated with Manchester United.