SIR Alex Ferguson has hailed rookie American goalkeeper Tim Howard as Manchester United's star of the season so far.
Unknown in this country when he was snapped up from Major League outfit New York Metros in the summer, Howard has shown no signs of being overawed.
From the moment he made his debut against Juventus on the US tour in July, the 24-year-old has looked a worthy replacement for Peter Schmeichel.
Howard has described comparisons with the great Dane as nonsense - but already he appears likely to succeed where the likes of Massimo Taibi, Mark Bosnich and Fabien Barthez failed. "Tim Howard has been the star of the show this season," Ferguson said. "He is quick, alert, agile, courageous and has speed. It's all there for us to see."
Experience
Having dumped Barthez from his first-team line-up following blunders in the European exit to Real Madrid, Ferguson was expected to swoop for a big name.
Instead, he pursued the hunch of goalkeeping coach Tony Coton who had heard good reports about Howard.
"If you look at the other players we brought in during the summer, Kleberson had played in a World Cup final, Eric Djemba-Djemba was a Cameroon international, Cristiano Ronaldo had been playing in Portugal's top league with Sporting Lisbon and David Bellion had been in the Premiership with Sunderland," said Ferguson.
"Tim didn't have any of that experience, so there was bound to be a question mark over him.
"But Tony Coton was insistent and said 'Once you see him there will be no questions'. That was a big statement, but he was right."
Although Howard was beaten by a long-range Thierry Henry free-kick in his first competitive game, the Community Shield tussle with Arsenal, he saved penalties from van Bronckhorst and Pires as United clinched the trophy in a shoot-out. So good has Howard's form been since that Barthez was quickly deemed surplus to requirements and is now back in France.
Ferguson may be tempted to give Howard a rest for Sunday's FA Cup tie at Aston Villa. But injuries permitting, there is no doubt who will be between the posts when the season enters its crucial latter stages.
Has Tim been United's player of the season to date? Have your say.
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There are at least 3 dozen players in MLS who could play and do well in the P'ship. Just because we don't know their names doesn't mean they can't play. My 6 years here has been an eye opener. Like it or not, by 2010 there will be Yanks playing everywhere. They are very good already, we are the ones who just don't know. Convey not the highest quality for Spurs? What a joke. Shows our ignorance. Spurs could really use him as he was dominant at the U20 WC. Get ready and stop being surprised. They are already better than we think...we just don't know.
Best signing of the Prem so far this season. Outstanding.
T-Ho is undoubtedly Man Utd's star of the season so far. many of us expected him to be a reserve keeper only, but he has proved to be a very able keeper and a very capable replacement for Fabien Barthez. The test though is still starting, and it will be interesting to see how he copes with the latter half of the season, especially in Europe.
He has put the US on the map as far as English Premier League football is concerned.
As a long time Manu and USA Nats supporter, to see Timmy between the posts has been a dream come true. But his performance, like so many "surprise" US players is not a surprise at all. He's more athletic than perhaps any keeper in the world and has the guts and professionalism that will finally see our beloved Reds with a keeper worthy of the shirt. And what a shrewd deal--a permanent star for 3.5 million us? Top that Real Madrid!
Tim Howard is also the kind of fellow who will keep his feet on the ground. I'm glad to say that, with rare exception, TH is typical of our footballers. They're normally competitive, happy to play, disciplined and grateful to part of meaningful competition in interesting parts of the world. Though I never expected anything less, I'm pleased to see that Tim has been treated so fairly by folks in England and Europe. Like any human, he will have his dips in form. But he will not let you down through lack of preparation. Nor will he ever embarrass Man U with with silly behavior.
Suprise package? Who? Tim? I am NOT suprised at all. I was watching him playing when I was in the US and he was briliant! I knew on that day that if and if he comes to Man United, he will be instant hero. I guess I wasn't wrong.
Take my word! If United were to win the PL and the CL, it will be because of two players, that will be Ruud and Tim. Welldone Tim, you made us proud!
Go Reds! Go and win all the trophies this year and tell the world that you are the biggest club in the world simply because you are the best. Not because you sell the most jerseys!
Agree with the earlier comments. Looks like he could be our most influential signing since RVN.
No suprise to us USA soccer fans. We've been watching TM
for a while and he is quality.
He's young and can go on to become a United legend.
Suprisingly the USA has other talented players that don't even get a look from Europe.
As a life long United fan, born in Crumpsall, spent me misbent
youth in the Stretford end,
coached for many years, still play meself at 51 (and I still look great against me son's
under 10 team, hee hee) I can tell you there are at least 3 USA field players that could start for United, Real or Milan, and three dozen more that could play in the Prem. When oafs like Danny Mills finds regular work in the Prem,
then it's time to shop the USA
for talented professionals.
Anyone heard of Landon Donovan, Damarcus Beasley,
Talyor Twellman, Chris Armas?
How good is California footie?
Me sons under 10 team could beat Man City, 2-0.
We have alo to learn from the American approach to sport.Everything they do is done professionally with one thing in mind to win.Their youth development, skill levels and commitment to the game is already impacting on our game! Who now thinks that their players can`t compete with the best in the world.Howard in our eyes has come from no-where(with respect) and just blown us away...... how many more are out there?