Manchester United’s Americans – 4th of July
Happy July 4th everybody; and while we don’t have any fireworks to let off here at Red Devil Armada we can look back at the American’s to have played for Manchester United throughout the years.
TIM HOWARD (2003 to 2007)
Now regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, Tim Howard struggled to make a name for himself at Manchester United as he battled with Roy Carroll, Fabian Barthez and a number of others for the first choice goalkeeping position which was always in limbo until the arrival of Edwin van der Sar.
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Howard joined United from the NY/NJ Metrostars, now known as the New York Red Bulls. In his time at United, he won the FA Cup, League Cup and Community Shield. He was also named to the PFA Premier League Team of the Year in the 2003-04 season for his impressive display’s. He made 77 total appearances for Manchester United across all competitions.
While incredibly talented, Howard decided he did not have a future at United and so a transfer was soon made to Everton where he has since become a cult figure – his beard further enhancing his image and he quickly established himself as the club’s number one as well as number one for the United States.
He was one of the stars of the 2014 World Cup, making some spectacular saves throughout the tournament as he helped the USA fall in love with “soccer” despite fighting until the end and being knocked out by Belgium. Definitely the most famous American to have played for Manchester United.
JONATHAN SPECTOR (2003 to 2006)
The Illinois native is still playing in England, currently for Birmingham City in the Championship having moved there in 2011. He began his career with Manchester United but failed to make the grade making just 8 appearances.
A quick defender, and standing at 6ft tall, Spector is the grandson of Basketball legend Art Spector. Jonathan was originally a striker but soon converted to defence due to injuries to other players in the Milk Cup which was being attended by Manchester United scouts who were impressed with Spector’s versatility.
Spector was sent on loan to Charlton Athletic in the summer 2005 for a season long deal, and he finished the season with sixteen starts and eight substitute appearances. But after just eight appearances at Manchester United, Spector was sold to West Ham and scored twice against United in the League Cup in a 4-0 win for West Ham in 2010.
Now a first team regular with Birmingham, Spector continues to represent the United States contingent in England as one of the more experienced players. He has won 34 caps for the USMNT but has not played since 2010.
KENNY COOPER (2004 to 2006)
Not a household name in England, Kenny Cooper was on the United books at the same time as compatriots Howard and Spector but did not make any appearances for Manchester United. He had given up College (University for our non-US readers) in order to play for United and so it does feel quite bad that he did not make it.
However he has had some success in MLS, currently playing for Montreal Impact after spells at Portland Timbers, New York Red Bulls, FC Dallas and Seattle Sounders. Journeyman at it’s finest. He also has four international goals to his name in a short 10 caps with the US national team.
FREDDY ADU (2006)
He is technically on this list, but did not sign with United. He is a very famous American player, for the wrong reasons as his debut at 14 (yes, 14 years old) meant the “next Pele” was under a lot of pressure to perform.
During November 2006, Adu had a trial with Manchester United for a fortnight, but was unable to gain a work permit. This meant he could not play in any competitive fixtures. He only trained with players from the Manchester United academy during his two weeks.
He now plays in Finland for KuPS having had short stays all around the world from Serbia to Brazil, even playing in his early career for Monaco and Benfica. How times have changed.
JAMES “JIM” BROWN (1932 to 1934)
Brown helped the United States to the semi-finals of the 1930 World Cup, scoring a goal in a 6-1 loss to Argentina. While at United, the Scottish born wing-forward netted 17 times in a two year spell between 1932 to 1934; including scoring a free-kick on his debut.
That meant he was the second highest goalscorer on the team. However he fell out of favour with the club’s management due to his outspoken views about the need for a player’s union.
After leaving United he had short stays at Brentford and Tottenham, but found success with Guildford City scoring an incredible 148 goals in 150 games. He was inducted into the US Soccer Hall of Fame in 1986. Brown passed away in 1994, aged 85.
EDWARD McILVENNY (1950 to 1953)
An American legend, because he captained the USA in their famous win over England at the World Cup in 1950. He played a centre-back and was given the captaincy to try and put-off the English becuase he was born in Scotland. It seemed to work as the US ran out 1-0 winners against the inventors of the game.
But while he may be an American legend, at Manchester United he is not, only making two appearances for the Red Devils and moving to Ireland to play for Waterford.
Matt Busby offered him a place at United after seeing his Word Cup exploits and McIlvenny was dubbed “The Yank From the Tail of the Bank” referring to the fact he was born in Scotland.