[nas] Howard stuff

Howard's in awe of Barthez

Manchester Online - Sunday, September 21, 2003

TIM Howard admits he is in awe of Fabien Barthez - who he has shoved out
of
the Manchester United first team!

And the French star is not the only Reds goalkeeper haunting the
ambitious
young Howard, as he sets about establishing a new dynasty between the
sticks
at Old Trafford.

While out driving, he spotted his idol Peter Schmeichel walking the
streets
of Manchester - and almost stopped the car to have a word with the great
Dane.

"I grew up in America watching people like Schmeichel," says Howard. 

"I think he is one of the greatest ever - the way he performed at Old
Trafford was just magnificent."

But Schmeichel is not the only United keeper Howard looks up to, although
his rapid ascendancy to the No 1 spot has seemingly brought Barthez's
patchy
United career to an end.

Howard revealed that the Frenchman still believes he should be
first-choice
keeper, but that they have managed to keep relations on a cordial and
professional level.

Thankful

"Sometimes I have to remember I am only 24 and have a lot to learn, but I
am
in the position and am thankful for that," says Howard.

"When I signed for the club I knew I would have to fight for the jersey.

"But suddenly I didn't have to fight that hard because it was given to
me.
But every week, every game is a new challenge.

"I don't think I have got my place now, and I don't want to rest - I know
that on any given day things can change, so I will just keep going.

"I figured I wouldn't be in the team at the start, that it was something
I
would have to work towards."

And Howard is full of praise for the help he has received from Barthez,
who
is not even on the bench for the Reds these days.

"Fabien is a gentleman and a professional," says Howard. "He has been
good
to me - training has gone well and we get on well.

Tough

"It's a tough situation. Fabien has done well here - he has won medals,
and
he has won the World Cup. He thinks he deserves to be in the team, but
our
relationship has been professional and, hopefully, we will keep it that
way.

"When I look at what Fabien has done, I am tremendously in awe of it
sometimes."

But Howard has established himself as United's No 1 very quickly, keeping
a
clean sheet on his Champions League debut against Panathinaikos in
midweek.

And today, he faces his stiffest test yet, as main title rivals Arsenal
come
to town.

"English football is up to the standard I expect. The pressure is high,
particularly at Manchester United, but I am trying to handle it - it
helps
me to mature.

"Next is Arsenal. We are behind them in the table and need the points.

"I know they are a very good team from playing against them in the
Community
Shield, but we ended up winning that day and will be hoping for the same
outcome.

"Thierry Henry is the kind of player who can give you sleepless nights.
You
have to worry about it, but not enough to let it throw you off your game. 

"If you think ahead too much, you start over-analysing things.

"When Manchester United play Arsenal, the pace of the game is incredible
-
the tackles are flying and you have got to be up for it.

"I am, because I know that I am one minute away from losing my place."


35.     Tim proving surprise hit at United

Manchester Online - Saturday, September 20, 3004

ROOKIE keeper Tim Howard has even stunned Sir Alex Ferguson by the rate
of
his progress since moving to Manchester United.

Ferguson sprung a major surprise this summer when he pinpointed the
24-year-old US international as a transfer target.

Even when the Old Trafford boss paid £2.3million for Howard, few thought
he
would win a regular place.

However, not only has the former Major League Soccer star achieved that
feat, he has looked more likely than any of his predecessors to fill the
void left when Peter Schmeichel retired in 1999.

In just over a month of first-team action, he has already kept four clean
sheets, and collected his first winners' medal after his penalty
shoot-out
heroics in the Community Shield against Arsenal.

And, as Howard prepares to block out the Gunners again at Old Trafford
tomorrow, Ferguson admitted at being astonished at the rate of his new
keeper's progress.

"Tim has caught everyone by surprise," he said.

"We thought he might have taken a few months to get used to English
football
but he has been sensational.

"He pulled off a save on Tuesday night which was truly outstanding and we
could not be more pleased with his progress."

Menawhile, United will learn next month how much compensation they will
have
to pay Sunderland for Frenchman David Bellion.

The 20-year-old left the Stadium of Light for Old Trafford during the
summer
after his contract expired, but because he is aged under 23, the Black
Cats
are entitled to compensation.

The Football League Appeals Committee will meet on October 16 in London
to
agree a figure.

Bellion joined Sunderland from AS Cannes in August 2001, but started just
eight games in his two years on Wearside.

Since joining the Reds, he has made two substitute appearances and has
found
himself low in the striking pecking order. 







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