Edwin van der Sar responds to Man Utd rumours ahead of Ed Woodward's exit

Edwin van der Sar has poured cold water on speculation he will succeed Ed Woodward in an executive role at Manchester United in the near future.

The legendary former goalkeeper, 51, has been linked with a return to Old Trafford after five years of service as Ajax CEO.

Van der Sar insisted his "moment will arrive" to rejoin United in an interview earlier this week, but was keen to stress he is under contract with the Amsterdam giants until the summer of 2023.

The Red Devils hierarchy will soon need to appoint a new figurehead to oversee operations, as executive vice-chairman Woodward is expected to step down at the end of the year, although this departure date may postponed until April.

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Van der Sar is viewed by many as a strong candidate to take over from Woodward due to his status at United and his fine job at Ajax.

Appointing the 51-year-old may also boost the club as they consider pursuing Erik ten Hag with a view to appointing the Ajax boss as their next permanent manager, once Ralf Rangnick's six-month spell as interim ends.

However, Van der Sar appears to have ruled out a return to United in the short-term, telling Dutch outlet Ziggo it is "not within the line of expectations" he could take over from Woodward.

The former Netherlands goalkeeper emphasised he has plenty of unfinished business with Ajax, although he insists he will not follow Sir Alex Ferguson or Arsene Wenger by staying at one club for many decades.

"I don't want to become the Wenger or Ferguson of Ajax," Van der Sar said. "I'm really enjoying working at Ajax but there will come a time I will leave.

"But our ambition hasn't been achieved just yet. We want Ajax to compete more in Europe."

Van der Sar made 266 appearances during a six-season stint with United between 2005 and 2011.

He won four Premier League titles, the Champions League and a further two major honours during his time with the club.

Woodward, meanwhile, is believed to have postponed his exit date in order to help United appoint their next permanent manager.

Rangnick will also contribute to this process, while he is also in the frame for the role if he impresses during his interim spell in the dugout.

The German has led United to back-to-back 1-0 victories in the Premier League and a 1-1 draw with Young Boys in the Champions League in his first three games in charge.