On this day in 2003, Howard signs with Manchester United

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Tim Howard signed with Manchester United for a transfer fee of $4 million. The goalkeeper spent the last six seasons at New York/New Jersey MetroStars, where he made 93 appearances for the club.

Howard made the big move and never missed a beat, immediately replacing Fabien Barthez as the first-choice keeper. He played in 44 matches in all competitions during the 2003-04 season, picking up a FA Cup winner's medal and a nod in the PFA Team of the Year.

Howard would spend another three seasons at Manchester United before permanently moving to Everton in 2007.

"I've always believed in my ability," Howard says between training sessions. Howard graciously blames "lack of information" — not tastelessness — for the early headlines. But even he concedes, "Things really did just take off. I've been playing since Day One. It was a shock for me and everyone else." (USAToday)

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