The former Manchester United and Netherlands goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar is in intensive care because of bleeding around his brain, Ajax have announced. Van der Sar, 52, won the Premier League four times at United, as well as the Champions League in 2008, which he also lifted with Ajax. After retirement he returned to Ajax, where he took up the role of chief executive in 2016. He resigned in May and transferred his duties to colleagues on 1 June but was asked by the board to formally remain in his position until 1 August to ensure a smooth handover. “On Friday, Edwin van der Sar has had a bleeding around his brain,” Ajax said in a statement on Twitter. “He’s currently in hospital in the intensive care unit and is in a stable condition. Once there is more concrete information, an update will follow. Everyone at Ajax wishes Edwin a speedy recovery. We’re thinking of you.” Although no further details were given by Ajax, it has been reported Van der Sar was admitted to hospital while in Croatia. Van der Sar, who also played for Juventus and Fulham, said when he resigned at Ajax: “After almost 11 years on the board, I am done. We have experienced wonderful things together, but it has also been an incredibly tough period … I feel the need to take some distance, to get some rest, and to do other things.” United and Fulham offered Van der Sar their best wishes. “Sending all our love and strength to you, Edwin,” United tweeted.