Starting Goalkeeper (This One)

[billyireland]

Who do you WANT to be Man Utd's starting goalie at the start of the season, for the good of the team as opposed to who you prefer. I don't know why I'm adding Ricardo (or Steele), but its an open poll

[Mac_Howard]

When I saw Carroll had 100% of the vote I was worried. Then I saw that only the poster had voted :D

[JBlazini24]

In Tim I trust. He might be a little nervous at first, but I'd rather have mistakes happen earlier than later in the season. We all know Fabien's gonna make some blunders, it's just a matter of when.

I realize Barthez will most likely get the nod, however.

[BrianJ 22]

Prob between Barthez and Carroll, I got no idea about Howard and how good he is, MLS isn't shown in australia.

[billyireland]

Originally posted by BrianJ 22
Prob between Barthez and Carroll, I got no idea about Howard and how good he is, MLS isn't shown in australia. AUZ-TRAY-LIA, PHWOAH! I'd go for Carroll, since he's got EPL experience and is very consistent (let's forget that little incident vs. Charlton, it was a freak occurence). Barthez is too dodgy, Howard is going to need some bench time to learn, Steele is a good young prospect but only about 18, and Ricardo is eeerrrmmm... terrible - and a bit old (32)

[Lancashire Lad]

Originally posted by billyireland
AUZ-TRAY-LIA, PHWOAH! I'd go for Carroll, since he's got EPL experience and is very consistent (let's forget that little incident vs. Charlton, it was a freak occurence). Barthez is too dodgy, Howard is going to need some bench time to learn, Steele is a good young prospect but only about 18, and Ricardo is eeerrrmmm... terrible - and a bit old (32)

I voted for Fab, mainly because of experience, he can be a great keeper, but he is not consistent enough. I am surprised with results so far; I thought Howard would be voted number 1 by a huge margin.

Howard’s battle is for number 2, but if Fab has a nightmare and/or Carroll is injured he maybe number 1. I am sure Howard will start this season, but in which competition and when who knows, probably the league cup.

The force is with you Luke! (Sorry for the poor star wars joke, but couldn’t resist)

[prk166]

I think HOward's purchase is a sign for Ricardo that he's not going to be around much longer.

[DutchFootballRulez]

Well since its now known that if PSG accepted the latest Man UTD bid, well Tim Howard/Ricard/Roy Carroll would be in a toss-up for No.1 GK.

[Mac_Howard]

BrainJ22 - you can see MLS games on ESPN on Foxtel in Australia.

[prk166]

Originally posted by DutchFootballRulez
Well since its now known that if PSG accepted the latest Man UTD bid, well Tim Howard/Ricard/Roy Carroll would be in a toss-up for No.1 GK.

Actually it's well known that they didn't.

http://www.planetfootball.com/article.asp?id=155313&cpid=23&title=Barca+land+Ronaldinho

[JBlazini24]

He said "IF" they accepted the bid, meaning if PSG accepted the bid, Barthez would be leaving Old Trafford.

Sounds like SAF is more than willing to make a switch.

[giggs88]

barthez for firs keeper next season, if he is injured then howard would be muy choice.

[BrianJ 22]

Originally posted by machoward
BrainJ22 - you can see MLS games on ESPN on Foxtel in Australia.

yea,,, just upgraded and got ESPN...the quality of the picture is pretty bad,,,looking forward to the champions league and dutch league thou

[Fah Que]

I confess I am the one voted for Luke Steele.

[prk166]

Originally posted by Fah Que
I confess I am the one voted for Luke Steele.

Nothing against Luke but that seems a bit wacked! :)

[bmuffley]

This is a very easy decision, especially given the community shield result.

Howard - Has the most athletic ability, has proven thus far to be more than competent and has a tremendous upside. Has played tremendous in each of his 3 starts.

Carrol - Backup - My reliable, doesn't ever really hurt us and typically has a very steady performance.

Barthez - Can someone gicve us something for him. He is a great keeper, but i fear his time has past and we should get whatever we can for him

Steele - Great young talent, but still too young and unproven. IF he was being considered for the spot, he would have played in the preseason.

Ricardo - Can we pay for someone to take him, lol. I do not envision him ever getting time in the net, unless it is strictly mop up duty

By the way this is my first ever post here! I am a long time fan of Man Utd, and have thoroughly enjoyed all of your threads since reading this board a few months ago!

[LiveFreeOrDie]

Originally posted by bmuffley

Howard - Has the most athletic ability, has proven thus far to be more than competent and has a tremendous upside. Has played tremendous in each of his 3 starts.


http://images.sportsline.com/u/gettyimages/photos/2378998PC017_Arsenal_ManUtd081012_lower.jpg

[bmuffley]

Well put LiveFree!!!!!

Any arguments????

[BrianJ 22]

Judging from the first match I ever saw him play, he played well. The two penalty saves and the block at the final minute of the match but he could had stop Henry’s goal if he had organized the wall more and position himself better.

[van_da_man]

wasnt sure where to post this...so i just posted it here!

here's a article i was reading, shud help clear a few things up:




Tim Howard has staked his claim to be Manchester United's number one this season after a solid performance against Arsenal in the FA Community Shield.

The American was arguably at fault for allowing a 30-yard free-kick by Thierry Henry to beat him but made amends with two spot-kick saves from Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Robert Pires in the penalty shoot-out.

Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson must now decide whether Howard or Fabien Barthez will be his number one goalkeeper for the 2003-04 campaign and here the Press Association assesses the strengths and weaknesses of each player.



SHOT-STOPPING

BARTHEZ: The Frenchman has fantastic reflexes and his relatively short stature for a goalkeeper (5ft 11in) enables him to be quicker and more nimble than taller stoppers. 9/10

HOWARD: Read the penalty kicks by van Bronckhorst and Pires well but could be accused of slow footwork on Henry's goal. 8/10



SET-PIECES

BARTHEZ: Often reticent to come at all for crosses, corners and free-kicks, when he does venture out he often favours a punch to a catch, sometimes landing his team in trouble. 6/10

HOWARD: Can only really be judged on yesterday's showing, but looked safe in his handling and his physical presence should help him beat a path to the ball in a crowded penalty area. 8/10


DISTRIBUTION

BARTHEZ: Polished his kicking as a rugby league player in France and usually gets good distance and accuracy with his goal-kicks. His throwing is also good, essential for United's counter-attacking game. 8/10

HOWARD: Growing up with American sports mean Howard has had plenty of practice at throwing the ball and his kicking against the Gunners could not be faulted. 7/10.



RELIABILITY

BARTHEZ: This is the area where Barthez falls down spectacularly. One moment capable of saves other goalkeepers could not even dream of, the next committing errors in routine and straightforward situations. 5/10

HOWARD: Arguably slow to get across his goal for Henry's free-kick, there were no other obvious mistakes or fumbles by the former MetroStars player. That said, it is hard to compare him with Barthez yet as consistency is a quality that takes weeks, months and years to gauge, rather than one game. 7/10.



TOTALS

BARTHEZ: 28/40

HOWARD: 30/40