Americans Abroad

Howard returns to United lineup and blanks Crewe 3-0 in Carling Cup.

By Robert Wagman (in Washington, D.C.)
SoccerTimes

(Tuesday, October 26, 2004) -- United States goalkeeper Tim Howard was back in action for Manchester United for the first time in more than a month, posting a shutout in the Red Devils' 3-0 decision over host Crewe Alexandra today in the third round of England's Carling Cup.

The last time Howard played was September 15 when he was shaky in net during a 2-2 draw with France's Lyon in the European Champions League. Four days earlier, Howard's errors contributed to a disappointing 2-2 English Premier League draw with the host Bolton Wanderers.

Howard did not dress for Manchester's next four Premier League matches, with Roy Carroll starting and Ricardo Lopez serving as the reserve. Then Sunday, Howard was on the bench backing up Carroll in United's big 2-0 home triumph over EPL-leading Arsenal before 67,862 at Old Trafford, snapping the Gunners' league record 49-match unbeaten streak.

"Without doubt, Tim has marvelous ability, " United manager Alex Ferguson told England's Press Association. "What we want to do is get him through this period. He needs to improve on his authority and experience.''

Today, Howard made several good saves to dispatch of Crewe, a team that sits 20th among 24 teams in the second-tier English League Championship.

United manager Alex Ferguson fulfilled his promise not to start against Crewe any of the 11 players who opened against Arsenal. Still, United fielded a team with nine players who represent their nations in international play and who were obtained with an estimated cumulative transfer fee of over $64 million.

Howard helped Man. U. withstand some early vigorous attacking from the Railwaymen. He made a dandy save on a blast from England under-21 international Dean Ashton and later rushed to block a ball at Ashton's feet.

Howard then made a good save on Steve Jones who was set clear by Kenny Lunt's free kick. The American went on to deny David Vaughan and another attempt by Jones.

Howard, who was voted the best goalkeeper in the Premier League last season, professed to be determined to win his job back despite being dropped to third on United's depth chart.

"Being out of the side has not knocked my confidence," he told the Press Association. "I have self-belief. I just get on with things. There is no use in complaining. No-one listens anyway. Obviously, we all want to be in the starting 11 and I will keep plugging away. I prepare physically and mentally as if I am the number one. In training I try and do that."

Howard owned up to his sub-par performance against Lyon. "I made a couple of mistakes. We all make mistakes, " he admitted. "Often goalkeepers make mistakes and get away with it, but that didn't happen in that game. I certainly take responsibility. I always look at myself first. I don't think enough people do that, not at this club, but in football in general.''

Robert Wagman is a SoccerTimes senior correspondent. E-mail Robert Wagman.