Tim Howard was the first-team goalkeeper for Manchester United from 2003 to 2005. He was invited to dinner with Roy Keane but refused, feeling too scared. Howard is considered one of the best American goalkeepers, starting his career in Major League Soccer before moving to United to replace Fabian Barthez. He entered a locker room of established winners, including players like Gary Neville, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Paul Scholes, and Keane, who had led United to the Premier League title the previous season. Despite not attending the dinner, Howard had immense respect for Keane and praised his leadership qualities. Later in Howard’s career at Everton, when Keane was coaching Ireland, he experienced a different side of Keane’s personality.
Howard reflected on Keane’s expectations, the high standards he set, and his belief in a right way of doing things. He highlighted Keane’s intelligence, thoughtfulness, and calculated communication, stressing that only those who pushed themselves to meet Keane’s expectations earned his respect. Howard described Keane as a gentleman in his initial interactions but noted that once training started, it was evident that Keane set an impossible standard for himself, which raised the bar for the players around him. Howard also praised Keane’s cleverness in understanding the needs of the team and providing the right guidance at the right time.
During his time at United, Howard won the 2003 FA Community Shield, the 2003–04 FA Cup, and the 2005–06 League Cup. After initially joining Everton on loan in 2006, he made the move permanent a year later. Howard’s refusal to attend the dinner with Keane showcased his nerves upon joining United in 2003. Despite this, he acknowledged Keane’s gentlemanly demeanor and later came to understand the intense and focused side of Keane’s leadership. Howard highlighted Keane’s commitment to excellence and his belief in doing things the right way, which resulted in a culture of winners within the team.
Howard’s experience with Keane exemplifies the intense expectations and high standards that characterized Keane’s leadership style. While initially nervous about meeting Keane, Howard learned to appreciate Keane’s qualities as a player and coach. Keane’s focus on excellence, intelligence, and thoughtful approach to leadership left a lasting impression on Howard. He acknowledged that Keane’s style of leadership, though demanding, could still be effective in today’s game, emphasizing the importance of pushing oneself to meet high expectations and earn respect. Howard’s time at United and Everton was marked by Keane’s influence, which helped shape his perspective on leadership and success in football.
