Foster not leaving Manchester United insists Ferguson

Foster is currently the third choice keeper at United (GETTY IMAGES)

Sir Alex Ferguson has ruled out a January loan move for Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster.

Although Edwin van der Sar remains sidelined by a knee injury, Foster appears to have slipped down the United pecking order as Tomasz Kuszczak has been in goal for four of the five games the Old Trafford side have played since the Dutchman has been out.

It has led to talk that Foster might be offer the chance to spend the second half of the season away from United in order to preserve his England World Cup dream.

However, the mere suggestion brought a brusque response from Ferguson.

"Nothing is going to happen with Ben," said the United boss.

"He is here and this is where he stays."

Ferguson also confirmed he was still waiting for Van der Sar to decide whether he will extend his stellar career by another 12 months.

At 39, the former Holland star knows he cannot continue forever. However, he will be given the chance to remain at Old Trafford if he wishes to stay.

It has become normal for Van der Sar to inform Ferguson of his plans at this stage of the season.

However, so far, the call has not come.

"Edwin usually comes to us around this time and tells us what he wants to do," said Ferguson.

"It generally comes in the form of a telephone call from his agent to (chief executive) David Gill, but we have not received it yet.

"At the moment Edwin has an injury but it is not serious and he could be ready for next week."