David Beckham, Tim Howard and how Manchester United became the most popular club in America

The summer signing of Tim Howard didn't generate too much fanfare on these shores but his arrival was a timely one to help Manchester United break America.

The Reds have long been big business in the States and this year were revealed as the most popular club side in the US by a YouGov US poll. United, more than most, have exploited their off-field arm and their 2003 tour was perhaps a turning point.

Despite having just sold their global icon in David Beckham and missed out on another in Ronaldinho, the Stateside trip two decades ago was a commercial success and set the wheels in motion for a series of repeat visits. Of course it was helped by United being a successful side, regularly winning Premier League titles and competing at the top end of the Champions League. But it was visits to America that cemented the club's growth.

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And it helped having Howard in the ranks. He was 24 at the time and freshly signed from the MLS. His move from the MetroStars played perfectly into the narrative when United took on Juventus in New York in 2003. It helped create a bond between American fans and the Reds.

20 years ago, the United squad - while household names on these shores - weren't recognisable across the Atlantic. The players were by and large able to wander about without recognition. The attraction for many in America was a star name rather than a star squad.

But in playing in their backyard United were able to generate interest, along with revenue, and over time that organic growth led to more fans and followers. Now there are supporter groups across America and the