Manchester United news: Tim Howard labelled ‘Tim Coward’ by ex-Red Devils coach

And now Tony Coton, who was goalkeeping coach at Old Trafford for a decade, has labelled the American a coward in his autobiography.

Titling one chapter “Tim Coward”, Coton, who made 164 appearances for Manchester City, explained how Howard refused to take responsibility for his errors.

“When Howard returned for preseason training he was a changed man - and not for the better,” said Coton.

“He suddenly started playing 'bigger' when he was between the sticks, moving forward so that his only option to make a save was to block the ball. 

“Rather than staying that little bit deeper so that he had the option to make a catch or tip it away.

“Basically, he was so traumatised by the thought of making another mistake that he was playing it safe.”

Howard has represented the United States on 119 occasions, but in the 2004/05 season he found himself sharing goalkeeping duties with Roy Carroll.

“It became clear to me that Tim now wanted to take all the decision-making out of his game just in case he chose the wrong option again,” Coton explained. 

“That's not how world-class goalkeepers perform. 

“We spent the next twelve months trying to find a cure for Howard's neurosis, but it was a painful and unsuccessful process.”

Everton swooped to sign the goalkeeper on loan, before making the move permanent in a £3million deal.

But Howard made it clear in his own book that he held Coton responsible for his Manchester United career stalling.

Coton however dismissed Howard’s accusations and took a swipe back at the Colorado Rapids player.

“I don't want come across as bitter, but in my view Howard told a pack of lies in his book in an attempt to make me look like a complete idiot,” continued Coton. 

“If he wants someone to blame for failing at Manchester United then he should take a long, hard look in the mirror.”