5 Americans who had successful stints in the Premier League

#3: Tim Howard

Tim Howard was beloved by Everton players and fans alike

When legendary goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel left Manchester United at the end of the 1998/99 season, it was always going to be hard for the club to replace him.

When the likes of Mark Bosnich, Massimo Taibi, and Fabien Barthez largely failed, United turned to the USA for their next candidate and brought in New York MetroStars’ keeper Tim Howard.

Howard was installed as United’s #1 for the 2003/04 season, but despite making 44 appearances, he largely struggled and was blamed by many for United’s Champions League exit at the hands of Porto.

After continuing to struggle at Old Trafford, it appeared that his Premier League career was doomed, but a loan move to Everton in 2006/07 completely rejuvenated him.

From there Howard made 354 appearances for the Toffees and helped them to top 5 finishes in 2007/08, 2008/09 and 2013/14.

In the 2011/12 season, he even scored a goal against Stoke City – a wind-assisted 101-yard clearance - becoming only the 4th goalkeeper to ever do so in Premier League history.

When it was finally announced in March 2016 that Howard was moving back to MLS with Colorado Rapids – leaving Everton after 10 seasons with the club, he stated that

“I will remain an Evertonian for life; this will always be my team, my club”.

It was telling of the massive contribution the American keeper gave to the Premier League – something unexpected after his questionable start at United.