The 21-year-old forward hit a stunning goal on his full debut for the Red Devils against Crystal Palace on the final day of last season.

He was out of contract at Old Trafford but had been offered two extensions by the club.

However, Harrop quit the club for Championship side Preston on a four-year deal.

“Before my debut the plan was for me to go and get games,” Harrop said. “Then when I scored it made things a lot harder.

“United had already offered me a deal and they offered me another on top of it which made the decision tougher.

“It would have been easy to take it. There was no guarantee I was going to play though.

“I’m too old to be playing reserve team football and need to playing first-team football but there was no promise of that at United.

“I made the big decision and have come here to prove myself.

“I’m confident in my own ability and now need to prove I can do it. I want to get back to the top and hopefully that can be with Preston.”