I think there is a lack of quality keepers around at the moment and whilst Howard isnt on top of his game it would take mega bucks to get a ready made better keeper.
For starters, If you look at the money Utd have spent on keepers since Howard left and not one of them has been any better. United fans I know would have Howard as there No 1 now if they could.
Even Joe Hart, the alleged greatest English keeper in decades is error prone, he looked terrified on Saturday and has probably conceded more soft goals this season than Howard has in his Everton career.
Maybe its the pressure of the premier league, a lot of keepers have come with glowing reputations from abroad and not settled or looked crap. In fact since the premiership began there have only been a few real stand out keepers for me in the likes of Schmicheal, Cech, Reina (sadly!), Friedel, Martyn, Seaman maybe. I cant think of many others who you would say is a top top keeper