The new deal is expected to be the veteran Dutchman's last, with Ben Foster and Tomasz Kuszczak primed to battle for the number one shirt from 2010 onwards.

But for now, 38-year-old Van der Sar is eager to make the most of his remaining time as Sir Alex Ferguson's first choice.

And, after winning Premier League and Champions League winners' medals last term, he wants more.

"It wasn't a difficult decision at all," he said.

"Manchester United is a great club to be at. I have enjoyed every minute of the three and half years I've been here so far and I'm looking forward to playing an extra season after this one.

"There is a great atmosphere in the dressing room, the boss is fantastic and you play at the best stadium in England."

Van der Sar's early saves ensured United were at least able to claim a point from last night's trip to Tottenham.

The Red Devils' failure to score meant they did not take full advantage of Liverpool's home draw with Hull.

However, with most of their demanding away fixtures out of the way and two home games in hand, United should be in good shape for a major challenge on top spot when they return from Club World Cup duties in Japan.

"Ideally we would have a few more points than we have at the moment but other teams are dropping them as well, which is a positive sign," Van der Sar said.

"There has been a lot of talk about the difficult away games we have had but we are still in touch and hopefully that will still be the case when we get back.

"We will be two games behind by then but we knew that from the start of the season, so we will just get on with it."

United were pushed through one more training session before boarding their flight to Tokyo.

They learnt before departure that Gamba Osaka will be their semi-final opponents in Yokohama on Thursday, with the Red Devils strongly tipped to book a place in next Sunday's final.

Before then, Ferguson will have discovered whether UEFA will charge Wayne Rooney for his alleged stamp on Aalborg's Kasper Risgard in last Wednesday's Champions League tie.

The Scot will also be in Japan when United discover their knockout round opponents on Friday when the defence of their European crown resumes in February.