Tim Howard Signs for United
New Signing
By Richard Siau
July 15 2003
The signing of American goalkeeper Timothy Howard has been completed for a fee of £2.4 million. The signing has been completed in time for the US tour, to which the team leave on Saturday.
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Tim Howard Signs For United |
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24 year old goalkeeper Tim Howard is ecstatic
after completing his move to the Premiership Champions. The American
international has signed a 4-year contract with United after leaving New York New Jersey Metro Stars in a
£2.4 million move.
United have been looking to cover their goalkeeper problem for over a year, attributable to French international Fabien Barthez’s frequent blunders and extravagance in the Old Trafford goalmouth. Howard told a press conference, "I am overjoyed to be signing for the best club in the world and look forward to getting the business done and performing to the best of my abilities on the field." His form this season in the MLS has been exceptional, and is recognized by the American League’s coaches as the best in the USA. The America international is a suffers from Tourette Syndrome, a complex and debilitating neurological disorder which is estimated to affect about 1% of the population. The most common symptoms are repetitive, rapid, sudden movements called tics. However, the goalkeeper insisted the condition did not effect his game. "Tourette's Syndrome is not a problem. It is part of my life," he said. "It doesn't affect me one way or another on or off the field. "It is unfortunate people are not as educated as they should be but that's the way of the world. In the match it doesn't affect me. I need to keep the ball out of the net and it will never affect me doing that job. Maybe there are times off the ball but even then it is not much of a problem." Howard will get his first taste of action in the United team during the United States Tour. The current number one keeper Fabien Barthez will be missing the trip, and is being given time to rest after his involvement in the Confederations Cup. |
