Manchester United will now step up their chase for Parma keeper Sebastien Frey after releasing Roy Carroll and Ricardo.

It was widely believed that Northern Ireland stopper Carroll was about to sign a new deal but instead he will be leaving Old Trafford.

He had previously asked Sir Alex Ferguson to guarantee him first-team football for next season - but a series of high-profile blunders in United's poor 2004/05 campaign hindered his chances.

Spanish keeper Ricardo has also been shown the door along with six young professionals.

And that means American Tim Howard is the only senior goalkeeper at United after agreeing a new deal last week.