MANCHESTER United have freed former Scotland international Brian 'Choccy' McClair after 11 trophy-laden years at Old Trafford. The 34-year-old, who collected £400,000 from his testimonial against his old club Celtic last season, has been told his contract is not being renewed. McClair, manager Alex Ferguson's first signing at £850,000, said: "I have two good years left in me and will try to find another club. I've had a brilliant career at United but all good things must come to an end sometime." Club chairman Martin Edwards paid tribute to McClair by saying he had been a key figure in the Old Trafford success story in recent years. He scored 125 goals in 457 first-team appearances for United, helping them to three Premier League titles and assorted cup triumphs at home and abroad. The Scot was one of manager Alex Ferguson's first signings and in season 1987-88 scored 24 league goals a total which has not been bettered since by a United player. Edwards said: "Brian and Viv Anderson were the first two signings made by Alex. Brian has been here for the duration and throughout all the successes that we've enjoyed in the 1990s. He has, without question, been a great servant to the club and has played his part in all the success we've had." McClair had been touted as a future member of the coaching staff at Old Trafford before he was told on Thursday that his contract would not be renewed. Always recognised as a ‘thinking man's player' he could well be targeted as a player-manager by a range of lower division clubs. He is expected to make his farewell appearance against Barnsley tomorrow, when Fergie will reward his fringe players for their patience this season by starting them at Oakwell. The United boss will make at least four changes for their final match of the season against the relegated Tykes with Norwegian international defender Henning Berg, out of favour in recent months, hoping to sharpen his match fitness in the run-up to this summer's World Cup Finals. Ferguson also wants to give games to young players who have spent most of the season on the substitutes' bench. Defender Michael Clegg and midfielder Philip Mulryne, who has been capped by Northern Ireland at senior level, are set to make their full debuts. England Under-21 defender John Curtis, who made his Premiership start against Barnsley at Old Trafford back in October, will also play. "Berg needs the game because he has the World Cup coming up and he hasn't played a lot of football for us recently, he should play on Sunday in fairness to him," said Ferguson. "I'm also hoping to give young Michael Clegg, John Curtis and Philip Mulryne a run-out. They've done really well this season without breaking into the first-team on a regular basis, but they certainly have the ability.''

BRIAN McCLAIR THE LIFE & TIMES   Birthplace Bellshill, December 8, 1963 League Games/Goals Motherwell: 51/20 Celtic: 198/122 Man United: 457/128 Career Details Began as an Aston Villa trainee, before returning to Scotland with Motherwell as a raw 17-year-old in August 1981. He scored 15 goals in 39 league appearances and joined Celtic for £100,000 in July 1983, scoring 122 goals in 195 games to become one of Scotland's most wanted strikers. Joined Alex Ferguson's Manchester United revolution in July 1987 in an £850,000 move and quickly became an Old Trafford favourite. Played 451 games, scoring 128 goals, before this season. He was rewarded with a testimonial against Celtic last summer but is now regarded as a squad player, starting just two matches - both in cup competitions. OTHER BIG-NAME FREES Other well-known names on their club's free transfer lists this summer are: QPR: Simon Barker, David Bardsley, Tony Roberts Millwall: Paul Allen Tottenham: Gary Mabbutt, David Howells, Dean Austin Portsmouth: Jimmy Carter Manchester City: Ian Brightwell, Martyn Margetson, Nigel Clough, Eddie McGoldrick, Paul Beasley, Kit Symons Wolves: Tony Daley, Dariusz Kubicki, Don Goodman

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