From Soccernet: United linked with US goalkeeper Manchester United have asked permission to talk to United States goalkeeper Tim Howard about a move to England, according to the New York/New Jersey MetroStars. The US club's general manager Nick Sakiewicz said: 'Manchester United have shown an interest in Timmy and he's quite a goalkeeper. 'They've asked us for some tapes of him in action and for permission to talk with him and get to know him. 'Things are at a preliminary stage and he's just signed a long-term contract with us.' The 24-year-old, who was in the US squad at last year's World Cup, joined the Metrostars in 1998 and has established himself as the club's regular goalkeeper. ----------------------- I'm not sure this would be a good move for Tim, he won't get a lot of first team PT. The Bruce seems to like guys who are playing regularly. I'm sure the money would be better though. Any thoughts?
I say that the EPL has enough of our keepers already. Leave a few for us. What a move it would be for Howard though. Does anyone know why Scum United is interested in him when they already have Fabien?
I wouldn't think that they would make him their No. 1 keeper right away. But he could be the heir apparent to Barthez.
Because Fabien, though brilliant at times, is cookier than the average goalkeeper. He is extremely expensive and he is increasingly injury prone. He is also relatively small and is not an intimidating shot-blocker in the mold of the Great Dane, who was Ferguson's favorite. Barthez also makes outrageous decisions at times, coming out to do crazy leaping tackles that would be guaranteed red cards if he didn't come up with the ball. Plus, Linda Evangelista can only take so much of Manchester before she asks Barthez why he wouldn't prefer to play in Monaco or Barcelona or Milan, since he could do so and make just as much money. Besides, top-notch teams are always looking for cover and the "next great keeper". The US has produced three quality keepers (Europeans rate Keller, Friedal and Meola to a lesser extent) and realize that there are more in the pipeline. I doubt Timmy would qualify for a work permit at this juncture, but Sir Alex would love to have a sober, steady and especially large keeper. Tim Howard is basically a David James without all of the freak-daddy moments. Plus he would be relatively inexpensive.
this is tricky if they just want him as insurance.That would suck. better to go to a lower EPL team and play. He is WAY too good to ride the bench.
I think it was a typo. The 24-year-old, who was in the US at last year's World Cup, joined the Metrostars in 1998 and has established himself as the club's regular goalkeeper. I fixed it.
I believe Howard's mother is from Hungry, so he can get a EU passport, which nullifies the whole work permit issue.
Routine The club is probably simultaneously looking at a number of goal keepers around the world. Reviewing players abilities and ability to improve to a further higher level of play, among other things. Hopefully he will make it to their short list. Getting into the system/club is the first step towards getting between the pipes!
isn't this like the yankees in baseball? everytime a players is available (or not), they are linked to the yankees. seems like many players get linked to ManU at some point or the other .... i'll believe it when I see it.
I just saw the match with Real Madrid and I see what you mean. Lucky he didn't get called for a hand ball when he was out of the box.
The main thing for United is to have a big name in Goal. Barthez is not a "great" keeper, but he has a big name. I don't believe there will ever be a day when there is an american between the pipes at Manyoo.
Barthez the "not great keeper": World Cup Winner Champions League Winner European Championship Winner Despite last night, he's been absolutely brilliant this season.
What other choice does France have? Lama? If you watch WC98 and Euro00 it was the French defense and luck (Czech Rep. hit the bar 3 times, Raul missed penalty, gay handball call against Portugal) that kept France in games...not Barthez.