Premier League probe Howard absence

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The American goalkeeper joined Everton on a season-long loan deal from United last summer which became a permanent deal in February.

Before the match Everton boss David Moyes appeared to suggest that there had been a verbal agreement between the clubs over Howard's omission.

Premier League rules on loan deals prevent players from playing against their host club but, once the Howard deal became permanent, he was eligible to play against United on April 28.

The Premier League would not have sanctioned the permanent transfer if United had requested a clause preventing Howard from playing against them.

Moyes said: "While Tim Howard was on loan he would not have been able to play against his parent club, United. But although we have now signed him ourselves, United wanted the loan clause to remain in operation.

"It was partly the reason we were able to tie up the deal for next season as early as we did, we have abided by their wishes."

Moyes recalled reserve keeper Iain Turner from his loan to Sheffield Wednesday and, with Everton leading 2-0, the youngster's blunder gifted United the goal which got them back into a match which they went on to win 4-2.

Premier League spokesman Dan Johnson told the News of the World: "As Howard's is a permanent transfer there is no reason why he could not have played against Manchester United.

"Had such a clause been included in the transfer we would not have allowed it - it would have been a clear case of third-party interference."