Manchester United great Edwin van der Sar is no longer in intensive care in hospital and is hoping to return home next week as he continues his recovery from a brain haemorrhage.

Former United goalkeeper Van der Sar was admitted to hospital earlier this month whilst on holiday with his family in Croatia after suffering a bleed on the brain. His wife, Annemarie, later shared that he was not in 'life-threatening danger' and was in a stable condition.

He was later moved to a hospital in his native Netherlands, having been cared for previously in the coastal Croatian city of Split. He had remained in intensive care upon heading home.

Want to join our MUFC Pro club for a totally ad-free version of the MEN’s Man United app packed with premium features? Click here

READ MORE: Why Manchester United have signed Jonny Evans

However, the retired goalkeeper has given a positive update on his condition as taking to his social media, Van der Sar posted a picture of him in his hospital bed sitting up and smiling along with Annemarie. The goalkeeper remains in hospital but is hoping to head home next week to continue his recovery and has thanked all those who have sent supportive messages to him and his family.

He wrote: "First of all, we want to thank everyone for all the great and supportive messages. I’m happy to share that I’m no longer in the intensive care unit.

"However, I’m still in hospital. I hope to go home next week and take the next step in my recovery!"

Van der Sar joined United in January 2005 and made more than 250 appearances for the club before retiring in 2011. In that time he won four Premier League titles, two League Cups, the FIFA Club World Cup and the Champions League.