Former Manchester United and Everton star Tim Howard has shared the “crucial” detail that sums up the mindset of former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo.
Howard left MetroStars, now known as the New York Red Bulls, in 2003 and completed a dream move to Old Trafford for a fee believed to be £2.3m.
The 44-year-old made 77 appearances during his spell under Sir Alex Ferguson and initially challenged Fabien Barthez for a place between the sticks at United.
However, Howard later fell out of favour under former United manager Ferguson and was loaned out to Everton in 2006, with the ex-Red Devils man impressing.
The former Everton star thrived under ex-Toffees boss David Moyes and completed his switch to Goodison Park on a permanent basis in 2007.
Howard arrived at Old Trafford in the same window that Ferguson signed Cristiano Ronaldo, who was snapped up from Sporting CP in a £12.24m deal in 2003.
The ex-United States international watched as Ronaldo made a name for himself during his first spell at United and how the Portugal star shot to superstardom.
Howard on United legend Ronaldo
Before his blockbuster move to Real Madrid in 2009, Ronaldo established himself as the best player in the world after he captured his first Ballon d’Or award in 2008.
The 38-year-old Portuguese forward was hailed for his impact at Old Trafford under Ferguson, who named him as one of the four world-class players he managed.
Speaking to The Daily Mail, Howard insisted that Ronaldo is more than his commercial deals off the pitch and his ex-United teammate’s mentality is elite.
“You see the perfume and underwear ads, the McLarens and the Ferraris, the houses and the yachts,” he said.
“But? Ronaldo was the joker. And more crucial still: You’ve never, ever seen a human being work as hard as him.”
Howard talks ex-United boss Ferguson
Following his spell at United, Howard went on to make 414 appearances for Everton before he left the Premier League club in 2016 and returned to the US.
Howard went on to play for American sides Colorado Rapids and Memphis 901 after his spell in England with United and Everton.
The ex-United States No 1 said he was struck by Ferguson’s leadership qualities at United and how the Scotsman commanded a room without saying anything.
“What strikes you most about Sir Alex is just the gravitas,” Howard admitted.
“He commands a room without saying anything.”
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