Turning down an offer of a new contract from your boyhood club as a youngster is an extremely bold move to make, but even more so when your boyhood club are Premier League giants Manchester United.

Young Josh Harrop made the decision to depart Old Trafford despite scoring on his debut in the final day win over Crystal Palace and finishing as the U23 side’s top scorer, and agreed a move to Preston in search of regular first team action.

Harrop can only be respected for taking the plunge to leave the only club he has ever known, and will link up with the Lilywhites with the intention of furthering his career progress and development in the upcoming season.

The youngster has the ability to have an immediate effect in the second tier, and could play a role similar to the one Tom Lawrence had at Ipswich Town last season, in which the Welshman scored 11 goals and added a further 9 assists playing off the front striker.

21-year-old Harrop has clearly shown that he is not to be overawed by the prospect of first team action following his final day exploits, and new Preston boss Alex Neil will look to integrate him into the starting line up as soon as possible.

Joining United relatively late as a 16-year-old, Harrop went from strength to strength during his formative years at the club’s Carrington training ground, and will use this quality education to great effect at Deepdale.

Harrop is a strong, mobile player capable of getting into the forward positions, and has the potential to provide an excellent bridge between the midfield and front line.

If Harrop settles quickly into the first team squad, then Neil could find that he has a player capable of generating instant results.

Can Harrop have an instant effect on the first team side? Have your say below!