Ben Muirhead, the player paid for by the fans, has been shown the door by Bryan Robson.

Michael Standing and Clint Davies have also been axed as the City boss continues his weeding-out process at Valley Parade.

City's supporters trust raised the cash to bring Muirhead to the club 13 months ago. Vice-chairman Phillip Marshall admitted: "It's a big surprise because we thought Ben showed some potential and we worked hard to provide the funding to bring him to the club. But maybe he hasn't lived up to the expectations of the manager.

"Ben always said he was grateful to the supporters for their help and we wish him success wherever he now ends up."

Muirhead began the season with a bang by coming off the bench to engineer an opening-day fightback against Norwich with his first senior goal. He also scored a late equaliser at Crewe to rescue a point and become a big hit with the supporters.

But since Bryan Robson took over from Nicky Law, the speedy winger has hardly had a chance. After featuring in Robson's debut game in charge against Millwall, and being subbed at half-time when City were 2-0 down, Muirhead has started only twice more - and was taken off early each time.

Robson said: "The fans could think that every player that comes from Old Trafford is going to be a future Man United first-teamer, which isn't the case.

"Sometimes you've got to make your own decisions about players. I've consulted my staff and while we feel Ben has got pace, there are other attributes he lacks.

"He's an honest lad and I've spoken to him about the weaknesses I see in his game and need working on if he wants to have a career in football."

Muirhead said: "I'm not bitter. It just makes me more determined to find another club and come back even better next season."

City's decision to release midfielder Standing and third-choice goalkeeper Davies will not come as such a shock.

Standing has a year to run on his contract but Robson feels he has been overtaken by the progress of youngster Tom Penford.

He said: "Michael has stood still since he's been at this club. I just don't feel that there's room in the club for him. If another club comes in and wants to take over his contract, they will have permission to do that."