Howard tipped for the top
Tim Howard is being tipped to carve out a top-class career in England, just like fellow American goalkeepers Brad Friedel and Kasey Keller.
Howard is expected to finally complete his move to Manchester United today from the MetroStars following a medical.
Bob Bradley, head coach of the Major League Soccer club is convinced Howard will make the grade.
He told BBC GMR: “Tim is athletic and he’s had a lot of experience for a young goalkeeper. Those things are very important for clubs looking around the world for goalkeepers.
“He certainly has the ability to be a good player there (at Old Trafford) and someone who can get to the level of a Brad Friedel or Kasey Keller.”
Howard has been granted a work permit and United are expected to pay an initial fee of £1.2m (€1.7m). They may make further payments depending on Howard’s success in England.
The transfer hit a snag earlier this month when United were forced to appeal Howard’s work permit application because the 24-year-old was ruled ineligible.
For a non-EU foreigner to play in England, he must have played in 75% of his country’s national team games in the past two years.
Howard has been capped nine times by the United States and started all three matches in this summer’s Confederations Cup in France.
He could make his United debut on July 22 against Celtic in Portland, Oregon.
Howard’s imminent arrival, coming after the capture of Eric Djemba-Djemba and David Bellion completes three relatively low-key incoming transfers, compensating for the loss of Laurent Blanc, Luke Chadwick and David May to maintain the squad depth.
Chief executive Peter Kenyon, however, believes the three new boys fill the club’s criteria.
“They are all absolutely committed to play for Manchester United,” he said.
“The one thing United have done and will continue to do is get players who want to come here and win.
“They have all demonstrated individually their desire to join us above anybody else and that ultimately is what makes them a United player.
“You don’t want someone who is not giving 100% every game and our fans suss that out quicker than anybody else.”
