United release Carroll

Manchester United have released Roy Carroll and Ricardo.

Manchester United have released goalkeepers Roy Carroll and Ricardo.

Carroll had been expected to depart Old Trafford after failing to agree a new deal but his agent Francis Martin claimed recently that his client would be remaining with United.

As Sir Alex Ferguson has been hunting a new keeper and Tim Howard signed fresh terms, Carroll's place was always going to be under threat after failing to truly nail down the number one spot.

At least the Northern Ireland international figured in the FA Cup final after being left out of the starting line-up last year, but was unable to keep out any of The Gunners' five penalties as United suffered shoot-out heartache.

Carroll has often stressed he wants to be first choice at this stage of his career and Rangers, Everton, Bolton Wanderers, Wigan and Arsenal have already been linked with moves for him.

Ricardo failed to justify his arrival from Spain and rarely appeared in United colours, he was not even sighted in the reserves for much of this season.

The only memorable aspect of his Old Trafford career came when he conceded a penalty against Blackburn Rovers but then saved the spot-kick on his debut in 2003.

Young striker Daniel Nardiello has been added to the list of released Red Devils, that includes Ramon Calliste, Ben Collett, David Poole, Lee Lawrence and Paul Tierney.