United ready to release Roy

MANCHESTER UNITED are ready to let Roy Keane leave in the summer rather than break the bank to try and persuade the influential Irishman to stay.

While Keane stunned Old Trafford officials last night with the timing of the announcement that he expected this season to be his last at the club, it is not a development United's hierarchy were completely unprepared for.

During the summer, high level discussions took place over the likelihood of Keane's contract being extended beyond 2006.