Former Manchester United striker Josh Harrop has revealed the reason behind his Red Devils exit this summer.
The 21-year-old left his boyhood club in June and joined Championship side Preston North End after being told it was the "right time" to leave, reports the Manchester Evening News.
And despite not speaking to Jose Mourinho before departing, Harrop says he owes the Portuguese "a lot".
Harrop finished last season as the under-23s' top scorer, with 10 goals, but rejected the chance to extend his stay at Old Trafford.
And the Stockport lad has now revealed that he decided to leave for Deepdale because of a lack of assurances from United about first-team football.
"I didn't really speak to the manager directly, but a few people within the club, and they basically said it was the right time to go out in the league and play," he told MEN Sport.
"At United, I wasn't going to be given the chance with the players coming in so it was the right time - even though I just made my debut. It was hard."
Mourinho watched Harrop score a hat-trick for the under-23's against Tottenham at Old Trafford in May.
The forward was then drafted into the first-team squad for the final league game of the season, against Palace, and went on to score after just 15 minutes.
And, having expected a 'strong character', Harrop has revealed that Mourinho was a 'really nice guy' when he brought him into the fold.
"He really helped me with my debut. He sat me down and told me to try and enjoy it because it was a positive step in my career," he added.
"I owe a lot to him for giving me a chance and giving me my debut."