"It is very rare in modern-day football that anyone gets a reception like that," said the United boss.
"Obviously, Cristiano is a former player - but it is more than that. I think they recognise they have had an incredible young talent here.
"Sporting have helped him through his early development for seven years. Now we are fortunate enough to have him for what we hope will be the best years of his life."
Finally van der Sar gets some praise.
"Edwin has been with us for three seasons now and when I bought him I thought he was going to be one of my best buys," said Ferguson.
"I should have done it years ago when I had the chance but I let it slip through my fingers.
"Even now, at 36, he still has such great enthusiasm. He has played 120 times for Holland and has won everything in the game, yet he still sets such a great example for all our other goalkeepers."