"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?"