Old Trafford farewell for Edwin

Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed Edwin van der Sar will make his final Premier League appearance in Manchester United's clash with Blackpool at Old Trafford.

Despite fears that Ferguson was going to select a weakened team for the encounter, which Blackpool need to win to give themselves the best possible chance of survival, the United boss intends to pick at least half a dozen experienced players.

"I have players who need a game," said Ferguson. "Darren Fletcher, Paul Scholes, Anderson, Dimitar Berbatov, Patrice Evra and Edwin van der Sar will play."

If Scholes decides to retire, it would be his last Premier League game for United too.

The 36-year-old has still to tell United whether he is going to accept a one-year contract offer.

But Ferguson thinks he will.

"I don't think this will be his last game," said the United boss.

"We have discussed it and I have encouraged him to stay on for another year."