Everton and U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard said on Tuesday via Twitter statement that he will strike all future references in his new autobiography to allegations that compatriot and fellow No. 1 Brad Friedel "actively tried to block" his 2003 move from Major League Soccer to Manchester United.

Just prior to the publication of Howard's new book, "The Keeper," Friedel denied Howard's accusation, telling ESPNFC.com that he never "wrote a letter of negativity toward Tim Howard to anybody in this world."

"It's complete garbage," the 43-year-old told ESPN FC earlier this month. "To be honest with you, all we're looking for is an apology. We can't get the book reprinted. I'm not looking for monetary gain. I just want an apology."

Howard issued the following statement via Twitter on Tuesday.

"In telling the story of my move to Manchester United from MLS, I describe at length a number obstacles that potentially stood in the way of a massive career-changing opportunity. One of many such obstacles that I discuss in this context is the opposition to my work permit by the PFA and, as I understood at the time, Brad Friedel.

"Brad takes issue with my characterization of his position and events. At the time, I was surprised that Brad would not automatically sign my letter of recommendation, and I took this as an opposition to my application. Brad later explained that he had not in fact opposed my efforts to seek a work permit, either by writing to the PFA or otherwise.

"I have decided to take Brad at his word. Accordingly, I have directed my publisher to amend future copies of my book by striking reference to Brad's opposition."

Howard, the 2014 U.S. Soccer Male Athlete of the Year who first represented his country in 2002, helped United win the 2003-04 FA Cup before being loaned out to Everton and eventually signing with the club in 2007.

He wrote in his book that he later learned from the legal team at United that Friedel -- then playing in the Premier League for Blackburn Rovers -- "hadn't merely refused to sign a statement on my behalf, he had actively tried to block my transfer. He'd written to the appeals committee suggesting that I shouldn't be given a work permit at all."

Friedel said earlier this month that the comments were not true.

"There is no letter," he said. "I never sabotaged, and I never stood in the way of Tim Howard getting a work permit. This is ludicrous."