Josh Harrop joins Preston one month on after making Manchester United debut

The 21-year-old has agreed a four-year deal with the Championship club

Josh Harrop scored on his United debut last month (Getty)

Josh Harrop has agreed to join Preston from Manchester United, just 33 days after netting on a dream Old Trafford debut.

The 21-year-old marked his first United appearance with a superb first-half effort in the Premier League finale against Crystal Palace, earning the man-of-the-match award for his display in a 2-0 win.

However, Harrop's first game for United has proved his last after turning down a contract extension in pursuit of regular first-team football.

Preston announced the attacking midfielder will leave United at the end of his contract and become their player, agreeing a four-year deal from July 3 with the Sky Bet Championship club.

Harrop told Preston's official website: "I'm delighted to be here, it's a new start for me to get things going in my career and I'm buzzing to get playing and to make an impact in the team.

"I've got four years now at Preston North End where I know I am going to be and I am going to put everything into that and dedicate myself to do the best for the team and the best for the fans.

"Hopefully I can achieve my aims and ambitions that I have set myself by coming here and that's to get promoted with Preston North End and help the club get as high as we can."

United are entitled to a fee as out-of-contract Harrop is under the age of 24.

Preston say they have reached a "significant compensation agreement" with United for the Stockport-born player, who had reportedly been attracting admiring glances from Lyon, Bordeaux and Rennes.

Harrop was nominated for United's reserve-team player of the season award having finished as their top scorer, scoring 10 goals in 25 appearances.


 Harrop scored 10 goals in 25 appearances for United's reserve team 
 (Getty)

Preston boss Simon Grayson said: "Josh is a player who has attracted a lot of interest this summer and we had to move quickly to secure his signature.

"He adds to our group of hungry young players who want to progress and we are looking forward to working with him and seeing him improve."

PA