Tim Howard has praised Edwin van der Sar for staying at the highest level despite his age.
Keeper full of praise for former United number one jersey rival
Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard has praised Manchester United counterpart Edwin van der Sar for staying at the highest level despite his age.
The former Dutch international will turn 40 in October and is into his sixth season with the Red Devils, but is firmly still the club's No.1.
Van der Sar replaced Howard as the club's main goalkeeper in 2005, which saw the American move from Old Trafford to become Everton's first choice a year later.
However despite being ousted from the United jersey, Howard hailed his opposite number, who he will face when Everton meet United on Saturday in the Premier League at Goodison Park.
"He's performed admirably for his club and country for such a long time and he seems to get better and stay at a very high level," he told
Sky Sports News.
"That's not easy to do in that position and at a club like Manchester United.
"Hats have to go off to him and other keepers like him at that age to keep plugging away.
"I'm nine years away from that and it's difficult now because of the pressures and the work that you put in, so when you get to that age, he's done very well."
Playing well
The Toffees have failed to win any of their first three league games, picking up just one point in a draw with Wolves despite being tipped to enjoy a good season.
The 31-year-old is confident Everton can kick-start their season against United, but must work on cutting out some individual errors.
"There's always a game or two that seems to kick-start the season and light a fire under you," he added.
"For whatever reason it could be Manchester United or it could be anyone else.
"We're playing pretty good but things haven't been falling for us, one or two individual mistakes in the first couple of games have cost us goals.
"We certainly need to clear that up, but other than that I think we're playing pretty well."
