Howard joined Manchester United for £2.3m from New York Metrostars

Howard is on a season-long loan at Everton and is reconsidering his future after United's first-choice keeper Edwin van der Sar signed a new deal.

"Edwin's contract affects my mind-set," the 27-year-old told Everton's website.

"It's like a game of chess. United have made their move and it tells me what I need to do. If it doesn't happen at United it can happen somewhere else."

USA international Howard said he would not be happy to return to United as a second-choice keeper.

"I don't do very well on the bench," he said.

"You need someone who accepts that position and doesn't rock the boat. It's not in my blood because I like a little bit of fire.

"(Former United keeper) Raimond van der Gouw was a fantastic deputy goalkeeper. He came in, did a job and shut his mouth. I don't think I am the type."

Howard did not reveal if he was keen to stay at Everton.

A series of high-profile mistakes, the most costly of which led to a Champions League exit at the hands of Jose Mourinho's Porto in 2004, saw Howard fall out of favour with Ferguson.