Howard is expected to be called-up to the US squad for two qualifying games in January, and one in March, and the club have no choice but to let him go. His absence due to these games is likely to open the door for either Roy Carroll or out-of-favour Fabien Barthez to have a run in the first team, with both 'keepers desperate to prove they have what it takes to be first-choice shot stopper at United.

"Tim has been magnificent since he arrived here and we have all been very impressed by him." said United boss Sir Alex Ferguson

"It will be a blow to lose him for games when the USA start their qualification process for 2006, but there is not a lot we can do,"

"It's a problem but, until the international calendar is sorted out properly, we are stuck with it."

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