Preston North End new boy Josh Harrop believes that it would have been too risky to sign a new contract with Manchester United as there was no guarantee of first team football.

The 21-year-old, who scored on his debut for the Red Devils against Crystal Palace on the last day of the season, joined the Championship side on a four-year deal on Friday afternoon.




His contract was up at Manchester United at the end of the month and while they offered him fresh terms, Harrop feels it would have been a risk for him to continue at Old Trafford.

The forward feels that at his age he needs to play regular senior football week-in-week-out, which was not possible at Manchester United and believes joining Preston is the right decision for his career.
 


He admits that leaving Manchester United after so many years is a big decision but he is confident that he has the tools to succeed at Deepdale with Preston.  

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Harrop told Preston’s official website: “I'm 21 now and I'm confident in myself, I need to play first team football to get myself out there.

“That wasn't guaranteed at United, even though they offered me a new contract it was very limited in game time and so I couldn't take that risk at my age. I need to be out there, proving myself and doing what I know I'm capable of.

“It's a big thing for me to leave United after the number of years I have been there, but I am confident in my ability and know it’s the right decision.”

Harrop was the top goalscorer for the Manchester United Under-23s with ten goals in 25 appearances last season.