Howard considers leaving Man Utd

Howard is on a season-long loan at Everton and is reconsidering his future after United's first-choice keeper Edwin van der Sar signed a new deal.

"Edwin's contract affects my mind-set," the 27-year-old told Everton's website.

"It's like a game of chess. United have made their move and it tells me what I need to do. If it doesn't happen at United it can happen somewhere else."

USA international Howard said he would not be happy to return to United as a second-choice keeper.

"I don't do very well on the bench," he said.

"You need someone who accepts that position and doesn't rock the boat. It's not in my blood because I like a little bit of fire.

"(Former United keeper) Raimond van der Gouw was a fantastic deputy goalkeeper. He came in, did a job and shut his mouth. I don't think I am the type."

Howard did not reveal if he was keen to stay at Everton.

A series of high-profile mistakes, the most costly of which led to a Champions League exit at the hands of Jose Mourinho's Porto in 2004, saw Howard fall out of favour with Ferguson.

He spent most of last season on the bench as cover for Van der Sar, but this term that role has been filled by new signing Tomasz Kuszczak.

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