Okay, I know this isn't the first time this has been brought up, but ESPN.com is reporting that Manchester United has made an offer for Metrostars/US goalie Tim Howard. The boys at OT were reportedly quite impressed with his effort v. Mexico. No numbers were discussed in the article. Putting aside the whole "work permit" argument, where would Howard fit, considering that Barthez is on his way out? I think they still will bring in a veteran starter, but Howard as the three behind Carroll would be nice (Ricardo was a mistake, I think SAF knows that by now). Nice to see American players getting some due (SAF has even had preliminary contact with 13 yr old super-teen Freddy Adu, according to si.com).
To some degree, any keeper coming into ManU will have to do something to earn their starting spot, no matter who it is. Personally, I have a hard time seeing this happen unless Alex is 100% set on : a) keeping Barhtez another year and dumping 1 GK (Carroll or Ricardo) b) dumping Bartez having Carroll as a starter If SAF really does want to ditch Fabien, I doubt he'd go for an untested, young GK. It would make much more sense for him to go with a GK at least in their late 20s that has already shown they can perform at the top levels.
I think that United will bring in Recber or Niemi over the summer. (I'm sure they would take Friedel, but he'll be pretty expensive if Blackburn decide to part with him.) These two keepers are 30 and 31 respectively, and should be good for a couple of years. If they do this, then Howard could be a young, talented keeper that they will have as a backup and see if he's capable of taking over as the #1 in the future. They won't bring in Howard as the #1 - too much pressure for a young keeper who's never played top fight European football. There's also talk of bringing in Paul Robinson, who is only 23. Personally, I would rather see either Recber or Niemi. Robinson is good, but I'm not sure he's ready to handle being the #1 at Old Trafford. I don't think that there's any way that Ricardo or Carroll will be #1 - neither have looked consistently good when they have gotten the chance.
Maybe I'm missing something, but why is Roy Carroll not considered a candidate for #1 keeper. I don't think he lost a game in the premiership when called upon. The only negative that sticks out was that howler against Charlton, but Keano should have never given him that ball. That said, I admit he should have done better. How many mistakes did Fabien make before SAF had enough? I say let Roy compete for #1.
Well, I guess you also have to look at which games those are. You're probably right that he's done no wrong for Manchester United. But it's also true that he hasn't done anything really spectacular either (like impossible saves we see Barthez making). Maybe it's just that he hasn't been given the chance.
It would be a little sad for Howard to leave a surging Metrostars squad that's looking good so early in the season, but let's face it - MLS is now a springboard league for fresh, young talent just like Argentina, Brazil or the Scandinavian countries, amongst others. If he gets the opportunity, he should obviously take it. You never know when this kind of opportunity will ever happen again. Regardless if he's #1, #2, or #3, it's an experience that he'll always benefit from - if the deal goes through of course.
From the Independent: 1.2 Mil - good price Verbal Outbursts? - Finally a capable replacement for Shmeichs!!!
It's good to see a second report on this--transfer rumors are always all over the place, but this one has been around a while and might come to fruition. I hope so--I think it would be a good deal for all involved: MLS gets money, Howard gets experience in Europe (Which can only help his American international career) and SAF gets a great up-and-coming keeper.
Well, I just considered that this may be just some free publicity for United over here in the US. With the tour coming up and all, United express interest in an up-and-coming young American player.... I wouldn't put it past them. Of course, I hope not. I'd really like to see Howard given a chance...
You might be right on the publicity thing (given the push in the American media of Becks), but I do hope, like you, that there is legitimate interest. It would be a good move for Man U and Howard.
Well the Mirror is reporting it too...but that really isn't saying much. Oh and the Guardian is reporting that the Mirror is reporting that.
That's interesting, I heard that the Sun was reporting that the Guardian was reporting that the Mirror was reporting it.
I think most who have witnessed Tim Howard would testify that he has tremendous potential and abilities superior to Brad Friedel at 24. His athleticism may be unmatched. 1.2 million pounds isn't enough.
>Verbal Outbursts? - Finally a capable replacement for Shmeichs!!! Precisely my reaction when I read about the Tourette's Syndrome - finally a replacement for Schmeichel It could lead to some interesting confrontations inside the Utd defence, particularly if Keane recovers his aggression
It's made it on to the BBC site now. Metrostars' management confirming the approach. They raise the work permit issue, would be interesting to see how Man U gets around it.
Is this claim about tourettes syndrome accurate?? It would be weird if he was doing an interview and the tourettes syndrome suddenly took effect.
No mate, he doesn't have a problem with it. The Americans talking on various message boards say it's not a 'visable' version of it, so you'd never know etc. Tabloid ************ yesterday.
Look folks, I'm sure sure he takes medicine for it, rather than just letting it go unchecked. There was a baseball player here named Jim Eisenreich who played for the Royals some years ago and had Tourette's, as well as an NBA player who I can't remember right now. Both of them used medicine to get it under control. So it's not like its unheard of for athletes to play with it. He'll be fine.
I read somewhere that he takes meds for it and when the syndrome does manifest itself its off the field and normally in some minor way. If this is true, I hope he plays on the summer tour, just so there is more coverage in the American press.
Ah, Jim Eisenreich-Makes me wish for the glory days of the 80's.... Unfortunately, I just woke up from a dream about a championship baseball team here in KC!!!
I believe the NBA player was Abdul-Rauf, who got into a lot of trouble b/c of his refusal to acknowledge the American flag at a game. Howard has not had trouble with his disease, so that's a good thing and should make it a non-issue.
I remember when Eisenreich played for the Phillies the year they went to the World Series. I doubt the Howard rumor is simply a publicity stunt, if United just wanted publicity they'd float rumors about being interested in Landon Donovan (probably the best-known soccer player in the US). Most American sports fans have heard of Donovan, but no-one who isn't a soccer fan would've heard of Howard (he wasn't even in our World Cup squad, altho he should've been).
So, suppose United sign Howard but he does not qualify for a work permit (he doesn't meet the 75%/2 years criteria), and considering his lack of European experience, is there a chance United will send him to Antwerp or Lisbon to develop?
That would make sense...he will qualify for a Hungarian passport by this time next year (whenever Hungary is admitted to the EU) so that would take care of the permit problem, wouldn't it?