Ferguson confirms new Howard contract talks

Alex Ferguson has confirmed goalkeeper Tim Howard is in contract talks with Manchester United.

Howard has twice been axed from the Red Devils’ line-up this season, most recently for the 4-0 win at Charlton last week.

The United States international’s Old Trafford future seemed to be in doubt as he struggled to build on his impressive start to life in England following his arrival from Major League Soccer in 2003.

However, it appears Ferguson has not lost faith in Howard. The United boss believes the 25-year-old has the ability and agility to be a success in the Premiership and is prepared to offer Howard what is thought to be a four-year contract to ensure he gets the experience he currently lacks.

“Tim’s people have been in talks with David Gill, so we are on the move with that one,” Ferguson told MUTV.

“He is still a young goalkeeper who needs experience. That is the area we know we see improvement in him.”

Ferguson will hope negotiations do not drag on as long as those of Rio Ferdinand, Ryan Giggs and Roy Carroll, whose deals so far remain unsigned.

Ferdinand’s situation may have attracted most attention given Ferguson’s previous declarations that it was time the defender signed his deal but Carroll’s position is the most pressing as he could leave United on a Bosman free transfer in the summer.