The Manchester United keeper heads back to Fulham this evening for a reunion with the few pals he has left from his time at Craven Cottage, a period when many thought the veteran Dutchman had enjoyed the best his playing days had to offer.

But a move to Old Trafford in 2005 changed that course. Now the 38-year-old is in line for a third successive Premier League title, has shattered the clean sheet record and is part of a squad that could end the season with an unbelievable five trophies.

Yet the former Holland skipper remains calm about the prospect, claiming he knew his move to United would elevate him to a different level than he experienced at Fulham.

"You know when you go to United there is a chance you could be battling for honours on every front," he said.

"That is why you want to be at a club like this. You want to be involved in big games so I am not really surprised to be in a situation like this."

Even though he will sit out the game against his old club as either Tomasz Kuszczak or Carling Cup man-of-the-match Ben Foster get their chance to impress, Van der Sar's experience is crucial.

Being a goalkeeper for United often includes plenty of time doing nothing, but Van der Sar feels it is the isolated moments when they are needed which determine whether they will be a success.

"Part of being a goalkeeper at a club like United is that you don't get too much work," the Dutchman said.

"But the things you have to have to be done well. It might come in the first minute or the 89th, it can still affect the result.

"You have to be mentally strong to keep focussed and make sure you are there for your team."

With no fresh injuries from the midweek win at Newcastle, Ferguson will again select from strength as United look to cement a fourth semi-final place in six years.

The prospect of facing Inter Milan at Old Trafford on Wednesday means the United boss will give plenty of thought to his starting line-up at Craven Cottage.

"Team selection now is easier in terms of the options I have got," said Ferguson.

"I don't actually know what my best line-up is now because I pick different teams for different games.

"The players' attributes and the development of the younger players has made me think twice. Plus we analyse our opponents to see if some of my players would be better against one than another."