Carroll expected exit

Roy Carroll admits he knew for the past 12 months that he was going to leave Manchester United.

The goalkeeper was released by The Red Devils at the end of last season before joining Premiership new boys West Ham United on a free transfer earlier this week.

Carroll was axed by United boss Sir Alex Ferguson after several high-profile gaffes and failing to convince as the club's long-term number one.

He insists he bears no grudges against Ferguson for dumping him and had been expecting to leave Old Trafford for the past year.

Though Carroll was Ferguson's first choice for the bulk of last term, the Northern Ireland international was aware his future was in jeopardy.

The 27-year-old admits he had to leave The Red Devils to safeguard his international position and harbours no regrets about his four years at United.

"I realised last pre-season I would probably have to move to get regular first-team football," Carroll told the News of the World.

"Lawrie Sanchez had spoken to me about my position with the Northern Ireland team and explained that because I wasn't playing regularly he couldn't play me.

"I understand that and it has played a major part in my decision.

"I played quite a few games before Christmas but I knew for sure around January that I would have to move on. It was my dream to make it at United.

"I wish more than anything that things had been different but I can't have any regrets about my experience. I can only look forward.

"I'm not bitter. Why should I be?"