Named 2003-04 Premier League goalkeeper of the year in his first season for Man U, Tim Howard is now one of the highest-paid American soccer players. Bob Martin/SI

When U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard signed a new contract with Manchester United this week, he put himself among the highest-salaried players in the history of American soccer. The numbers aren't available yet, but the seven-figure annual deal (which runs through June 2009) ranks in the same league as those of Brad Friedel (Blackburn Rovers) and Claudio Reyna (Manchester City).

Thanks to features on Howard in Sports Illustrated and on 60 Minutes, the North Brunswick, N.J., native's story is well-known. Howard has overcome Tourette's syndrome to play on Europe's biggest stage, and in his first season abroad he was named the 2003-04 Premier League goalkeeper of the year.

This season in the Manchester United pressure-cooker has been more difficult for Howard, who has been in and out of the starting lineup while playing 30 games overall (including 12 Premiership starts). Though he's not expected to start in Saturday's FA Cup final against Arsenal, his new contract certainly has provided a confidence boost.

Howard gave SI.com an exclusive interview on Tuesday, and spoke about his future at Man U, his continued learning curve, his take on Malcolm Glazer's takeover and why he won't be playing for the U.S. national team this summer:

SI.com: What's your reaction to signing the new contract?

Howard: I'm excited about it. I kind of have the same feeling I had when I signed with the club two years ago. I really enjoy being at the club, so it's a nice feeling.

SI.com: You're now one of the highest-salaried U.S. soccer players ever. Did you ever dream you'd make this much money playing soccer?

Howard: I never thought about anything like that. I dreamed of playing professionally first, and then playing abroad. I always thought the higher the level, the more money you would make -- but truth be told, my last contract with MLS was more money than I thought I'd ever make in my life. The money is really good, but the security and just being here at a big club is awesome.

SI.com: How are you a different keeper now than when you left the MetroStars in 2003?

Howard: I think in my latter stages with the MetroStars there wasn't a lot of coaching going on from a goalkeeping standpoint. I don't mean any disrespect. It was kind of a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants thing, almost trying to figure it out on my own. When I got to United, we have a goalkeepers coach named Tony Coton. He's a fantastic coach who was a good goalkeeper himself. I've learned a lot more about the position as opposed to just being an athlete. I've learned the ins and outs of the position, the angles and starting positions. It was all stuff I'd learned in the past from a foundational standpoint, but now I've really put it into play.