• Goalkeeper returned to training this week after wife's illness • Van der Sar in contention to play against Burnley

Edwin van der Sar will become Manchester United's oldest post-war player if he goes back into the team for tomorrow's game at home to Burnley. He has been on compassionate leave since the end of December.

Van der Sar returned to training this week for the first time since his wife Annemarie suffered a brain haemorrhage last month and the former Holland international goalkeeper is in contention to play against Burnley at the age of 39 years and 79 days.

The post-war record has been held by another Dutch goalkeeper, Raimond van der Gouw, since his last game for the club against Charlton Athletic in May 2002 when he was 39 years and 48 days.

Van der Sar would then be the second oldest player in United's history, behind only Billy Meredith, who was 46 and 281 days when he made his final appearance for the club in May 1921.