Sir Alex Ferguson believes Edwin van der Sar as well as Peter Schemeichel are the best two goalkeepers in Manchester United history.

Talking to manutd.com, Ferguson is relishing the prospect of Van der Sar's return to first team action against Bolton as United prepare for a tough week ahead.

"If Edwin comes through the Bolton game, he will have two very important away games against CSKA Moscow and then Liverpool," Ferguson told Man United's official website.

"He couldn't come back at a better time. The calming influence he has on everyone around him is significant."

"Edwin's a fantastic goalkeeper - I think he and Peter Schmeichel have been the best two goalkeepers in the history of this club as far as I'm concerned."

Ferguson also thinks Van der Sar's replacement, Ben Foster, has done well despite some high-profile clangers.

"Ben Foster's been outstanding in a lot of things," said the manager.

"The save he made for England on Wednesday was typical of his performance level for us. He made a fantastic save at Wigan at an important time in the game, and the same at Stoke when it was 0-0 just after half-time."