By Chris O'Brien
May 9 2006

Tim Howard has completed a surprise one-season loan move to rivals Everton. The 26-year-old made only one Premiership appearance over the season, frozen out of the first-team following the high-profile signing of Edwin Van Der Sar.

Everton have snapped up Tim Howard on a season-long loan deal.

The US international is considered a great prospect for the future, but has been frozen out of first-team affairs since the arrival of Edwin Van Der Sar to Old Trafford.

Howard made only six appearances for United over the course of the season, just one in the league, and has grown increasingly frustrated by reserve-team football. Toffees boss David Moyes is said to be a keen admirer of the shot stopper, and with veteran Evertonian Nigel Martyn struggling with injury problems, the Scotsman will be delighted with his latest acquisition.

The 26-year-old is under contract with United until 2009. Sir Alex Ferguson is said to have rejected an approach from Everton for a permanent transfer, regarding the player as a potential big name for the club.

The move could give Ben Foster the chance he needs to progress into the senior squad. The young shot stopper has been on phenomenal form on loan with promotion-chasing Watford, and undoubtedly deserves his chance of winning a regular place on the bench for the Red Devils.

Howard will start in goal for Tuesday's Roy Keane testimonial match, waving a temporary good-bye to the Red Army before heading off to Goodison Park.