IRWIN READY TO LEAVE UNITED

The 35-year-old's contract expires during the summer and the United board appear reluctant in negotiating a deal that will see Irwin finish his career with the League Champions.

"It wouldn't be easy leaving United, but it doesn't frighten me," said the Republic of Ireland international.

"I know it can be strange leaving one club and going to another with new players, but if it's something I have to do, then I'll have to do it."

It is believed that Irwin had been expecting to sign a one-year extension to his existing contract, similar to the deal recently signed by Teddy Sheringham, however, speaking to Match magazine, the full back revealed that United have yet to even approach him.

"The club have offered me nothing, so I don't know what my options are," he continued. "I've had one-year contracts for the last two or three years and, in an ideal world, I'd like to finish my playing career here.

"But it doesn't bother me stepping aside or stepping down," he added.