Tim Howard and his MetroStars would love to quiet all the talk about his possible transfer to Manchester United, and it’s not because the keeper might not be bound for Old Trafford, but because he still has work to do in East Rutherford.
Man. U’s interest became public a month ago, and since reports resurfaced Tuesday, the MetroStars have been besieged with calls from both sides of the Atlantic. For a team that brings a four-game winning streak into tonight’s tilt against Dallas, it’s an unwelcome distraction.
The EPL champs contacted GM Nick Sakiewicz in the offseason and again in March. After watching tapes of Howard, Man. U. dispatched goalkeeper coach Paul Barron to watch his shutout of Mexico on May 8. Barron was sold.
Does Sir Alex Ferguson view Howard as an understudy to French star Fabien Barthez, or as a replacement for the 31-year-old, who has looked shaky in net? There have been blanket denials from Howard, his agent Dan Segal and MLS deputy commissioner Ivan Gazidis. But the Daily Mirror reported an offer of $1.9 million, and a Man. U. official confirmed “very serious” interest and that they’re “keen” on signing him before training camp.