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Post by webm@ster on Aug 1, 2003 13:42:55 GMT -5
Tim Howard made 12 saves in his first game with the English Premier League champion.
EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey (Reuters) -- Tim Howard is counting on advice from World Cup-winner Lothar Matthaeus to help him become Manchester United's new No. 1 goalkeeper.
Howard, the third-string United States 'keeper, made an impressive debut for the English champions on Thursday in their 4-1 victory over Juventus in a preseason friendly. The match drew a sellout crowd of 79,005 to Giants Stadium, Howard's home field when he was in Major League Soccer.
United manager Alex Ferguson said the 24-year-old was "ready to compete for the No. 1" jersey after watching his new 2.3 million-pound signing gel quickly with the defenders around him.
Howard, after enjoying a near-perfect night in his home state of New Jersey, credited his confidence and authority to playing with former Germany international Matthaeus at the New York/New Jersey MetroStars.
"When you're new at a club you have to build respect between you and your teammates," Howard told reporters.
"These are world-class defenders playing in front of me, but I still have to talk to them, to tell them where to go and to get on them [when mistakes are made].
"I learned that years ago when Matthaeus was at the MetroStars.
"When he arrived, I couldn't even talk to him or treat him like a normal player because of what he had done in the game.
"But that wasn't good for the team. I learned from that mistake then. In fact, in the end he told me I just had to talk to him, that he was only a human being.
"The defenders at United have already told me to keep talking to them. Any good defender wants that.
"But the whole team has been fantastic to me. I didn't expect everyone to be so open and forward."
Howard said it was a "fantastic" experience to make his United debut at Giants stadium, his home with the MetroStars for the last six years.
He saved sharply on shots by Alessandro Del Piero, David Trezeguet and Niccola Legrottalie, while his handling was competent and kicking assured.
He also stood no chance with Pavel Nedved's consolation goal for Juventus. "I think that was unsaveable," he said.
"On the whole it was very positive. The speed of the game at this level is higher than what I was used to [in MLS], but I will adjust quickly."
Ferguson, who is yet to decide who will play in goal for United's final match of their preseason tour of the U.S. against Barcelona on Sunday, said: "Tim was excellent.
"He showed all the attributes that we have recognized in him. I was hoping he would have a good debut and I was pleased for him.
"He's ready to compete for the No. 1 spot. That's why he's here."
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Post by shadowboxer on Aug 1, 2003 14:08:36 GMT -5
I thought they said 79,500. Guess not?- It was amazing to see sooo many fans. And Howard was awesome! Words can't even decribe how he played. You would think he had been playing with those guys for awhile.
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