Manchester United have no regrets releasing Owen Hargreaves, who has since signed for Manchester City.
Senior figures at United were 'surprised' by Hargreaves' move to rivals Manchester City - but are reported to be 'comfortable' with their decision to let him go.
The £18million signing from Bayern Munich in 2007 had his United career wrecked by tendonitis in both knees - he played only five times in the last three seasons.
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson became as frustrated as the player that the England midfielder was spending more time on the treatment table than on the pitch.
And there was a strong feeling inside Old Trafford that the trauma of being out for so long with a career-threatening condition became a mental burden for Hargreaves.
A United source told the People: "The manager was really sad that Owen's time at United turned into such a disappointment for the lad himself and the club. But he felt it was time they both moved on, especially as there are young players coming through at the club.
"There was a belief that Owen has to overcome the non-physical side of his injury problems and that's not easy when someone has been out for three years."
