It's not arrogance, they're the best - Ex-Man United star defends Paris 2024 champs Noah Lyles, LeBron James and USA

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Tim Howard has leapt to the defence of the Olympic champions USA's basketball and athletics stars amid accusations of arrogance and disrespect at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

LeBron James and Co have faced a fierce backlash in the French capital - for staying in a luxury hotel rather than the Olympic Village, for enjoying a party before their quarter-final clash, and for narrowly beating Serbia in the group stage.

Meanwhile, sprinter Olympics 100m champion Noah Lyles has been lambasted for his brash, confident approach, with critics slamming his showboating celebrations and pre-race antics.

But former USA international Howard has hit back at the 'vultures' circling his compatriots, insisting their self-belief and bravado is exactly what has made them the dominant force they are.

'The only fact that matters, though? They are on pace for another gold medal,' Howard declared in his latest Daily Mail column.

'So they (Team USA basketball) should forget the criticism and so should Noah Lyles. The sprinter has been hammered for talking too much, celebrating too much and enjoying himself too much before races.

'Sure, there is a certain arrogance about US athletes. But that is what has propelled so many of us to greatness. That is a key reason why the US sits top of the medal table.'

The 121-cap former Everton keeper argued that such self-assurance is a prerequisite for achieving the highest levels of success.

'You can't be the best in the world without believing you are the best in the world. And no one will ever convince me otherwise,' he insisted.

'We call it arrogance but, really, it's an undying self-belief that most people don't possess. And it's something you need.'

Howard, who was renowned for his outspoken nature during his playing days, believes Lyles has mastered the art of self-promotion and is being unfairly targeted as a result.

'He is in a sport that feeds off self-promotion and he has figured out how to turn his personality into dollar signs. He has realised that if you are polarizing, all publicity is good,' he said.

'I like him, I can see why many don't. But those critics still watch him because they want to see him fail. I've been in that frying pan, I've had naysayers and when you're on top, it fuels your fire.'

The 45-year-old has urged the USA's Olympic heroes to stay true to themselves, warning they will always face judgment no matter how they conduct themselves.

'Athletes walk a tightrope every day,' he added. 'If you talk and you back it up, fans will applaud you. But if you stumble or fall, fans will criticise you.'