The retired goalkeeper has urged his former club to scrap a direct style in favour of intricate build-up play and has backed David de Gea to shine at Old Trafford
Edwin van der Sar believes Manchester United's midfield must scrap a long-ball approach if they are to conquer Barcelona this season.
The Dutchman's last match as a professional came in May as Sir Alex Ferguson's side slumped to a 3-1 defeat in the Champions League final at the hands of Pep Guardiola's charges.
Even Ferguson conceded the loss at Wembley was one-sided, and with Barcelona completing 662 passes during the tie, over double that of United's 301, Van der Sar maintains the Premier League champions must rethink their playing style if they are to succeed in Europe this term.
"We need to play more touches on the ball, personally speaking," Van der Sar told Goal.com.
"Not playing long anymore, we need to have more touches on the ball, especially in the midfield. Hopefully, if we do that we can beat them [Barcelona] this year.
"We lost this year in the final against Barcelona and hopefully this season we can improve."
Despite a strong start, United's season was temporarily rocked by the 6-1 defeat to title rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford, and United's former goalkeeper felt the derby would be more tightly contested.
"I was very surprised by that result, very much," said Van der Sar.
Another early cause for concern were the blunders from David de Gea during United's Charity Shield win over City and victory at West Brom in the Premier League. But the Spaniard has since eradicated glaring mistakes and Van der Sar has backed his successor to flourish at Old Trafford.
"I think he's been good. It's still early and he has time to grow there," he said.
Van der Sar was in New York City to participate in charity work as a member of Laureus and ran in the city's gruelling 26-mile marathon on Sunday. The 41-year-old was accompanied by the Netherlands' Prince Willem-Alexander during his trip.
"It's great, not having to always be focused all of the time," Van der Sar said.
"You don't have the pressure of always having to perform week after week.
"I had some holiday, went to South Africa. I've stayed home a lot and seen some friends and family. It's a bit more relaxed than what I'm used to."
The Dutchman's last match as a professional came in May as Sir Alex Ferguson's side slumped to a 3-1 defeat in the Champions League final at the hands of Pep Guardiola's charges.
Even Ferguson conceded the loss at Wembley was one-sided, and with Barcelona completing 662 passes during the tie, over double that of United's 301, Van der Sar maintains the Premier League champions must rethink their playing style if they are to succeed in Europe this term.
"We need to play more touches on the ball, personally speaking," Van der Sar told Goal.com.
"Not playing long anymore, we need to have more touches on the ball, especially in the midfield. Hopefully, if we do that we can beat them [Barcelona] this year.
"We lost this year in the final against Barcelona and hopefully this season we can improve."
Despite a strong start, United's season was temporarily rocked by the 6-1 defeat to title rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford, and United's former goalkeeper felt the derby would be more tightly contested.
"I was very surprised by that result, very much," said Van der Sar.
Another early cause for concern were the blunders from David de Gea during United's Charity Shield win over City and victory at West Brom in the Premier League. But the Spaniard has since eradicated glaring mistakes and Van der Sar has backed his successor to flourish at Old Trafford.
"I think he's been good. It's still early and he has time to grow there," he said.
Van der Sar was in New York City to participate in charity work as a member of Laureus and ran in the city's gruelling 26-mile marathon on Sunday. The 41-year-old was accompanied by the Netherlands' Prince Willem-Alexander during his trip.
"It's great, not having to always be focused all of the time," Van der Sar said.
"You don't have the pressure of always having to perform week after week.
"I had some holiday, went to South Africa. I've stayed home a lot and seen some friends and family. It's a bit more relaxed than what I'm used to."
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