Ferguson: Howard could return

ALEX FERGUSON has revealed Tim Howard could still have a future at Manchester United.

When he loaned the United States’ keeper out to Everton for the season, then did a deal with West Brom that will eventually lead to the permanent signing of Tomasz Kuszczak, it looked like Ferguson felt Howard’s time at Old Trafford was at an end.

Although the 27-year-old was an instant hit following his arrival from Major League Soccer outfit New York Metrostars in 2003, he subsequently made a series of high-profile mistakes in big games and spent virtually all of last season as understudy to Edwin van der Sar.

However, since arriving on Merseyside, Howard’s form has returned.

He will lose his ever-present record tonight when Everton visit United due to the rules preventing loan signings appearing against their parent clubs.

But he has already provided Ferguson with some evidence he could have a future with the Red Devils.

“Tim has been doing really well at Everton, which is what we hoped for,” said Ferguson.

“I have spoken to David Moyes and he is delighted at how Tim has been playing. But it is certainly a possibility he could come back to us, no question about that.”

With Howard consigned to the stands, Richard Wright will come into the Everton starting line-up.

Tonight will be his first game in the Premiership for seven months.

Moyes, however, is confident the former Arsenal and Ipswich player will be a safe pair of hands.

He said: “Richard has been there before and done it. I am not worried about him at all.”

Toffees’ star striker Andrew Johnson is also missing with a hamstring injury and James Beattie and James McFadden look set to continue their partnership up front.

United duo Cristiano Ronaldo and Louis Saha are also facing a battle for fitness.

Both limped off before the end of Sunday’s draw with Chelsea, leaving Ferguson facing a striking nightmare.

Even though Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Park Ji-sung are set to return to training this week, neither can be considered after long absences.

It could leave former Everton star Wayne Rooney as Ferguson’s only recognised striker, emphasising a lack of depth to the squad which has been highlighted by some as one of United’s major disadvantages in their title duel with Chelsea.