Ajax goalkeeper reveals dream to join Man Utd 'like Edwin van der Sar'

James Shearman

• Updated: 4 Jan 2024 16:51 GMT
• 3 min read

Ajax goalkeeper Charlie Setford has revealed that he would love to play for Manchester United one day.

Setford, who was born in Holland and has played for Ajax since he was seven years old, also has English nationality thanks to his father.

He has played 31 games for Ajax's reserve team, Jong Ajax, and has conceded 57 goals, keeping just six clean sheets.

However, at just 19 years of age, he has plenty of time to develop into a Manchester United calibre player.

"England is the place to be," he told Ajax Life. "That's the best competition in the world.

"If I had to choose the clubs, it would be between Liverpool and Manchester United.

"If I have to choose, it would be Manchester United - in the 'theatre of dreams', just like Edwin van der Sar."

Van der Sar, who played for the Red Devils over 200 times, knows Setford well, as he only recently left his position as chief executive of Ajax.

Setford's immediate future

"It is not expected that I will continue to play in this team for the next four years," Setford said on his immediate future.

"It seems more logical to me to be loaned out for a year, to a new competition, to gain experience.

"That's the most important thing for a goalkeeper. It is a tough job, both physically and mentally."

Charlie's younger brother, Tommy, also plays for Ajax's academy and hopes to break into the first team.

"Our goal is the same. But I do know that we wish each other the best. We will always be there for each other. In good times and in bad."