Schmeichel Praises Howard
Next Generation
By Chris O'Brien
January 2 2004
Goalkeeping legend Peter Schmiehcel has praised Tim Howard on the start he has made to life at Old Trafford. The Big Dane believes the American has put an end to the 'keeper crisis that has hit the Reds since his exit, and has tipped Howard to have a long and successful career with United.
| Schmeichel Praises Howard |
| Peter Schmeichel has revealed how
impressed he has been with the start Tim Howard has had to life at Old
Trafford, and tips the American to have a fantastic career as Manchester
United 'keeper. The words of the Big Dane echo those of United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, who has also been full of praise for the US international. The praise is justified with Howard having already made 14 clean sheets, and also play a big part towards United's Community Shield victory back in August. The Red Devils have had something of a 'keeper crisis since Schmeichel left Old Trafford, with Andy Goram, Mark Bosnich, Raimond Van Der Gouw and Massimo Taibi all failing to fill the boots of the Manchester United legend. Fabien Barthez provided some consistency between the sticks, but a series of errors last season have seen him dropped, and Tim Howard looks set to become number one for the foreseeable future. "It's only been half a season and I know what it's like when people put expectations on you just because you've started well," said Schmeichel. "However Tim has done really well since joining United and he looks a great prospect.” ”I'd like to see him carry on like that forever and also see him produce that consistency over time. That's what is really going to win the fans over - consistency. ”That's where trust is built and if Tim can maintain that over time, there's no telling how long he could be at United. "The number of goalkeepers who came to United after me shows the kind of pressure there is in that position but Tim has got something very valuable, and everybody can see that. "He has the ability and confidence that could see him be a real success at United." |