The American international joined the Red Devils from Major League Soccer outfit New York Metrostars, and has taken the jump in standard in his stride quickly establishing himself as one of the Premiership's top 'keepers.

"I would have to say that his progress has been fantastic. It's been quite dramatic actually. You expect when you sign an American goalkeeper that he might play a few games then you wait for that blip, but in Tim's case none has come and he has got better and better," said Ferguson

"His rise has been so emphatic and you are saying to yourself, 'This guy's getting better all the time."

Howard has been ever-present in the Premiership so-far this season, and was the hero in his debut for the club with two penalty saves in the shoot-out against Arsenal, where United won the Community Shield for the first time in ? seasons. He already has 13 clean-sheets to his name, and looks set to fill the big boots of Peter Schmeichel and end the mixed joy United have had with 'keepers since the Dane left in 2000.

The 24-year-olds excellent start at Old Trafford appears to be the final nail in the coffin of Fabien Barthez's career as a Manchester United player. The French international is currently training with Marseille, and is likely to leave the Premiership champions at the end of the current season, with Roy Carroll remaining as number 2 to Howard.

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