Howard: "I've Progressed So Much"

Pleased with Move
By Chris O'Brien
June 10 2006

Tim Howard has hit back at his critics and claims his move to Manchester United has seen his game improve dramatically. The 27-year-old, who has joined Everton in a season-long loan deal, lost the number one spot at Old Trafford following last summer's arrival of Edwin Van der Sar.

United 'keeper Tim Howard insists he has become a much better player following his move to the Premiership.

The United States international was signed by Sir Alex Ferguson from MLS outfit 'MetroStars' for £2.3million some three years ago. Howard, a sufferer of tourettes syndrome, had seemingly won a two-year tussle with Roy Carroll for the club's number one jersey, but has made only one Premiership appearance since Edwin Van der Sar arrived at Old Trafford and he has subsequently been shipped out to Everton on loan.

"There is just no comparison between where I am now and where I was three years ago," said the 27-year-old. "Of course I am on a learning curve and that increases by playing games and getting experience.

"But, in three years in England, that is what I have done and there is no question I am a better keeper for it."

However, impressing at Goodison Park will, for the time being, be at the back of the shot stopper's mind. As has been the trend for the last 12 months, the North Brunswick-born man looks set to warm the bench for the tournament, playing understudy to Kasey Keller.