Van der Sar is positive his Man Utd moment will arrive amid Woodward's departure

Manchester United legend Edwin van der Sar is expecting to return to the club at some stage of his administrative career.

The former goalkeeper is Ajax's CEO and has been linked with replacing Ed Woodward in a similar capacity at Old Trafford.

Woodward is United's executive vice-chairman - the top operational role at the club - effectively making him a CEO.

He is expected to step down from his position at the end of this year, with managing director Richard Arnold set to takeover.

Van der Sar has done a good job at Ajax, helping the club become the dominant force in Dutch football again and implementing a successful transfer policy.

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Several youngsters - including Donny van de Beek, Frenkie de Jong and Matthijs de Ligt - have been developed by the academy and sold on for millions of euros.

Recruitment has also been good, bringing in the likes of Hakim Ziyech, Dusan Tadic and Sebastien Haller, as well as manager Erik ten Hag.

Van der Sar's work has seen Ajax win two Eredivisie titles, two Dutch Cups and reach the semi-finals of the Champions League.

Despite his impressive achievements, the administrator insisted he wants to stay at Ajax when asked about the possibility of replacing Woodward.

"I am enjoying myself so much at Ajax, I still have two years left here," Van der Sar told Dutch TV channel RTL7. "I want to keep achieving things here with the club."

He did, however, admit his desire to return to United one day. "I am sure that one day the moment will arrive," he added.

Van der Sar was also asked about rumours linking Ten Hag with the full-time manager's position at Old Trafford.

United recently appointed Ralf Rangnick as their interim manager until the end of the season and are currently looking for their next permanent boss.

Ten Hag, along with Mauricio Pochettino and Brendan Rodgers, is one of the favourites for the job after his impressive work at Ajax.

And Van der Sar has confirmed the club cannot stop Ten Hag if he wants to join United, taking their interest as a compliment.

"This means that we are doing something well," said the CEO when asked. "It's the same with the players. When we perform well, the interest comes.

"If there is interest in our players or coach… we've all been blown away in the past. So be it, we have to make sure we're ready by then, that the lists are filled in."

Marc Overmars, meanwhile, has signed a contract extension at Ajax to remain the club's director of football until June 2026.

The ex-winger was recently linked with similar roles at Premier League sides Arsenal and Newcastle, as well as Barcelona.

"I still feel very excited by my work and get a lot of satisfaction out of it," Overmars told Ajax's website. "I have a feeling that my work at Ajax is not done yet, so I would like to continue here."