Americans Abroad

Howard will serve as backup to Carroll for rest of Man. U. season.

Barring unforseen circumstances, Tim Howard will finish the Manchester United season on the bench. -- Manchester United web site photo --

By Gary Davidson
SoccerTimes

(Friday, April 9, 2004) -- United States goalkeeper Tim Howard, who surprised many by becoming Manchester United's starting goalkeeper to begin the English Premier League season, will finish the year on the bench.

As was expected, United manager Alex Ferguson has anointed Roy Carroll his first-choice keeper for the remainder of the season, including a meeting with Millwall in the FA Cup final.

"Roy is a full international who has been with us for three years and done fantastically well when whenever we've called on him," Ferguson told BBC Sport. "We recognize Tim needs a break and needs time to regain his freshness.

"Roy has come in and done brilliantly. He's been very patient in waiting for his opportunity and he's proved his class when he's played for us.

United amazed many when it paid a $2.3 million transfer fee to Major League Soccer for the MetroStars keeper and then quickly made him the starter. Howard, 24, performed admirably well until a recent rough patch though Man. U's defense, ravaged by injury and suspension, was just as culpable as the American.

The turning point probably came March 9 when Howard gave up a bad rebound which led to the decisive goal that sent Porto ahead and United out of the European Champions League Round of 16. Depending on how far Man. U. advanced, the elimination probably cost the Red Devils tens of millions of dollars in lost gate receipts and television revenue.

Five days later, Howard conceded four goals in a 4-1 setback at Manchester City, effectively ending United's Premier League title hopes. Howard hasn't played since.

"I want to be out there playing, but the manager knows best and I trust his judgment," Howard told BBC Sports. "It's difficult to watch from the stands when you've been playing regularly but you have to give Roy credit. He's done well and deserves to be playing right now.

"I know what he's capable of because I train with him every day. Goalkeeper is a strange position because you have to train with your immediate competitor every day and no quarter is given. I definitely want to get back in the side as soon as possible but it's up to the manager to make that choice."

Carroll, an Irishman, has excelled in three outings since, including his clean sheet in a 1-0 decision Saturday over EPL-leading Arsenal in the FA Cup semifinals.

"After the game (Howard) came up and shook hands and said, 'Well done' to me," Carroll said. "I just want to be able to challenge for that number one spot. Tim wants it and so do I -- it's good to have that. You need that in every position. Tim came straight in at the start of the season and did very well."

Gary Davidson is SoccerTimes' managing editor. E-mail Gary Davidson.