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Senior Squad
Man Utd interested in US keeper?
Manchester United are understood to be interested in signing Tim Howard, the 24-year-old goalkeeper of Major League Soccer outfit the New Jersey MetroStars.
United reportedly first made contact with the MetroStars in March requesting that Howard fly to England to train with the club, but were rebuffed and had to settle with videotape footage of the promising youngster.
At the time Metrostars coach Nick Sakiewicz said that Howard would have his blessing to go if a contract were offered, while Howard himself said: 'You dream about things like this,' and called United 'The biggest sports team in world history'.
United's interest in Howard is believed to have been cemented following his clean-sheet performance for the US national team in the 0-0 draw against Mexico in Houston on May 8.
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson could see Howard as an understudy to ageing French international Fabien Barthez or possibly as a straight replacement for the 32-year-old ahead of the club's two other keepers Roy Carroll and Lopez Felipe Ricardo who failed to convince when they played last season.
Most United fans probably don't really know who Tim Howard is, so as an American and fan of his, let me just give you my opinion:
Tim Howard has the potential to become better than Friedel and is only 24 years old. His reflexes and quickness are already among the best in the world. Right now, I rate him higher than Kasey Keller and not too far below Friedel. Should he move to United, not only could he make an immediate impact and become a crowd favorite with his incredible, impossible saves, but he could become the best goalkeeper in the world within 4 years.
The only stumbling block is the fact that the MLS, who owns all MLS players, might ask for too much because he is one of the MLS' prominent figures. Hopefully they will not do what they did with McBride (Everton) and not let him leave.