Devil of a deal

Manchester United acquires MetroStars' Howard

SECAUCUS, N.J. (Ticker) -- Tim Howard of the MetroStars became the first American goalkeeper for Manchester United on Monday after his rights were officially transferred to the world-renowned English Premier League club.

Although financial details were not disclosed, the MetroStars were expected to receive $2 million. Manchester United also will give MLS, which owns all of its player contracts, another $1.5 million if Howard can start for the Red Devils.

"I just feel blessed," said Howard, a two-time MLS Best XI goalkeeper. "I feel fortunate. Not many people are given this opportunity, which has been given to me. I am just so happy."

The 24-year-old Howard played his last MetroStars game on Saturday, a 3-3 tie with the New England Revolution.

"I have so many great memories from here and so many ups and downs," he said. "I have grown as a person and as a goalkeeper and am just thankful for this opportunity."

Howard is expected to get a $1.4 million salary next season. The New Jersey native made his debut with the Metros in 1998 at the age of 18. He posted a 37-36-11 record with a 1.46 goals-against average and 15 shutouts in 85 MLS games.

The 6-foot-3 Howard, who leaves the MetroStars with the highest winning percentage of any goalkeeper in team history (50.6 percent), on Wednesday will join Manchester United for its American tour. He can make his debut with the Red Devils on July 22 against Glasgow Celtic in Portland, Oregon.

"Ideally, Timmy would have finished the season with the MetroStars and moved onto Manchester United, but the timing is out of our control and we recognize that this is a well-deserved opportunity in his career," Metros coach Bob Bradley said. "We will miss his terrific goalkeeping and his presence in our locker room. Timmy has done a great deal for the MetroStars and we all wish him only the best."

Howard's transfer is one of the few million-dollar deals made by MLS. He joins goalkeeper Brad Friedel (Liverpool, 1997), midfielder Joe-Max Moore (Everton, 1999) and striker Stern John (Nottingham Forest, 1999).

The Metros picked up a quality goalkeeper in Johnny Walker, formerly of Universidad Catolica of Chile.

Howard had helped lead the Metros to first place in the Eastern Conference with a 7-4-4 record.

 

Related information

Stories

U.S. goalie Howard gets English work permit

Multimedia

Visit Video Plus for the latest audio and video

© 2003 SportsTicker Enterprises, LP