Five Players Released

David May, Lee Roche, John Cogger, John Rankin and Kalam Mooniaruck have all left the club after not being offered new contracts, and are free to join any club that makes an approach on a free-transfer.

The release of Lee Roche may come as a surprise to many fans. The 22-year-old was seen as a defender with real potential at Old Trafford. He made his first team debut in the disappointing 4-0 League Cup defeat at the hands of Arsenal in November 2001. He made only two appearances for the first team last season, coming on as a substitute against Newcastle United in the Premiership and Deportivo in the Champions League.

Despite only making 3 appearances for United, Roche played 45 times for Wrexham during a loan spell during the 2000/2001 season. He was named 'Young Player of the Season', and helped lead the North-Wales outfit to Cup glory in the FAW Premier Cup. Wrexham are rumoured to be interested in bringing the defender back to the Racecourse.

Roche also appeared in the England Under-21 side, but failed to maintain a regular slot.

David May leaves the club after 9 years service at Old Trafford. He joined the Red Devils for a fee of £1.25million from Blackburn Rovers in 1994, and has made 188 appearances for United.

At first, May struggled to break the formidable defensive partnership of Bruce and Pallister, but was given his chance in the 1995/1996 season when the defensive pair both picked up injuries. May grabbed is opportunity with both hands, and spent two seasons as a regular in the United defence.

Persistent injuries in recent season though have prevented May of ever making a run of appearances, and the large number of defenders currently at the club has meant May is now surplus to requirements.

May was a real favourite with the fans and will be remembered well for leading the celebrations at the Nou Camp following United's memorable 2-1 European Cup Final victory over Bayern Munich in May 1999.

During the 1999/2000 season, May spent a brief loan period with Huddersfield Town, and the Yorkshire club are believed to be interested in the defender should they be able to afford his wages. Newly promoted Cardiff City have both also been linked with the 32-year-old.

Scotsman, John Rankin signed professionally for the club in June 2000 but failed to ever stake a claim for a go in the first-team. He made eleven reserve team appearances last season, and is set to join Scottish Division One side, Ross County.

John Cogger and Kalam Mooniaruck both agreed professional terms with United in July 2000, but neither has made an impression on the reserve squad and it was thought best if they parted company with the club.

Good Luck to all five in the future.

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