I've not managed to catch the kids very often this season, so I've had to go off the chatter on here a lot, which has been surprisingly quiet on Harrop given that I expected him to really be coming into his own as the side's star creator by now. What have the regulars thought of his football this season?
Joshua Harrop
- Thread starter Genius Me!
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In the latest episode of the United Hour Podcast, Nik @Rood and Imran @Annihilate Now! start with the good news by celebrating Manchester United Women's emphatic FA Cup win over Spurs at Wembley and the future of manager Marc Skinner.
Then it's the bad news and the ever worsening form of our Men with losses to Arsenal and Palace.
Finally the main debate - ETH Out now or keep him until the end of the season - if not longer. Are you Team Nik or Team Imran?
He still drifted in and out the game too much.You can clearly see his talent and he's one of the few in the side that can make a difference however he hasn't been the "central figure" as you would have hoped.
Might sound strange but I've been disappointed with Harrop's development in the U21s this season.
Contraversial statement... I think he's done ok, and certainly looked pretty dangerous last night. We've not really seen enough games so far to be able to comment on any development at all.
What age is he, 20 or 21?
I've been very impressed with him in recent weeks, I've always thought like Lingard he's a player who'll keep developing given his lack of physicality.
I've been very impressed with him in recent weeks, I've always thought like Lingard he's a player who'll keep developing given his lack of physicality.
He's 21. Think he's likely to get some minutes on Sunday, after his performance the other day. Jose was in the stands, as well.
21. One of my favourite players and a load of talent. Unfortunately I see his size holding him back. Likely drift around the lower leagues barely getting a chance. Is the type of player I'd wish would go abroad to a less physical league. I think he is brilliant technically.
I'm hoping we do see him as I'm a massive fan of his. But Jose saying he can't play 5 kids means I don't think we'll see him. Likely to just be Axel, Demi and McTominsy. Absolutely love it though if Harrop gets a go though. Will be ordering a shirt with his name if he does.
When did he say that? Before or after the U23 game? I don't think Harrop would start, in any case, but I could see him getting some minutes late on, if things go our way.
Yesterday in the press conference I believe. Said he can't play 4 or 5 kids since it'd be unfair on them. I hope he did do enough to get the chance but I'm doubtful tbh.
Looks like he's nailed on to start. Mitchell and Harrop on the left could be fun to watch.
What player would you compare him to? Style-wise to me I think he's quite unique.
I quite like Harrap
I can't wait to (hopefully) see this. Him drifting inside, linking up with Gomes/Pogba/Carrick etc will be lovely, too. If they're on the pitch together, that is!
I find him similar to a Iniesta/Silva, and not just because he's been playing on the left. Brilliant technique, can dribble, can keep the ball in tight areas, doesn't panic under pressure, shields the ball well, just general good ball retention really.
He's shown he can pass well - played some nice, scholes-esque, long balls and some lovely scooped balls over the top á la Iniesta. He starts on the left but, when in possession, he drifts anywhere and everywhere, ending up as our (u23) primary playmaker. Though he does mainly come inside he can dribble out wide and put in some delicious crosses, too. When I say "dribble" I don't mean in a Neymar/Martial/Hazard way where he's taking on players left and right, I mean when needed he can beat a player, carrys the ball well, and has a lot of skill, too. He knows where the net is as well; that's for sure.
He's an incredibly hard worker to boot. Always running his socks off and putting in a shift defensively. He's not pushover either - he's capable of putting a foot in and whatnot.
I know you weren't wondering what type of player he is as you've said yourself you think he's unique - this was just my opinion on him for those who don't watch the U23s.
Oh, and though he's playing out wide for the U23s and will play there for the 1st team when and if given the chance on a regular basis, I think he's got the potential to transition into a CM later on in his career. I think he'd excel there.
Better than mats miller daehli?
Not technically but he's a bit stronger and faster so perhaps stands more chance.
I like how Jose called him "Josh Harrot" about 3 times in a week 
Josh Harrop wanted by Preston North End.
He is out of contract at United and could be tempted by the prospect of regular first-team football despite being offered a new deal at Old Trafford.
He is out of contract at United and could be tempted by the prospect of regular first-team football despite being offered a new deal at Old Trafford.
He's not the youngest but since he's such a huge United fan, he should stay a year and give it a go if he trusts in his ability. Lingard made it, so it's not like it's impossible.
Its weird that they have let his contract run down. Has he done nothing the past year and then the proverbial penny dropped in recent months? He looked pretty good the past couple of months.
Personally, I've always thought he was one of our better players in the U23. Back in LVG's reign, when he was giving debuts left and right, I was very disappointed to see he didn't give Harrop the chance since, in my opinion, he was better than some of those who did get their chances.
I was resigned to the fact that he'd never get a shot in the 1st team after that so I thought it was reasonable to let his contract run down considering our aim is to forge a good career for our youngsters as well as us. Thankfully, he got a shot and, in my opinion, took his chance. I'd like to see him stay as I do think he can be an awesome player for us but I can't blame him if he decides to leave. As highly as I rate him, I'm not sure he'd get enough game time this upcoming season to warrant it unfortunately. And a loan is a bit too late, too.
To be fair, Lingard was given the shot under LVG when our forward options were pretty weak. We have to assume we're going to buy a couple or so attackers this window so it'd be much tougher for Harrop. I think he can do it, though.
PNE would be a great move for him, he'd improve them quite significantly on their wings as they really lack pace, trickery and creativity in those positions.
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I understand why he'd want to stay but I do think he should really look to go elsewhere and get his career kickstarted properly. We'll be well covered in his position(s) next season I'd imagine and I'm not sure he'd add much to the first team being honest.
Can definitely forge a good career for himself though and Preston might not be a bad shout although I'd bet there's even more clubs interested in him.
Can definitely forge a good career for himself though and Preston might not be a bad shout although I'd bet there's even more clubs interested in him.
A good, full season loan in the Championship would be ideal for all parties.
I wouldn't be mad at that at all, not sure how it benefits the club though, unless he does so well and makes them reconsider his future, that what you're getting at?
Yeah I guess so, although you're probably right that he won't become a United first team player. A good loan would of course raise his value in the inevitable sale, but we'd be talking about a million or so... Might be that José hasn't seem enough of the young lads and wants to keep them all for another year (while trying to get to see/get his assistants to see more U23 games) before getting rid. Was a bit surprised we didn't release anyone.
To be fair I've just been assuming that he'd just get a year extension but if it's a 2 year+ plus then I can more so understand the logic in terms of getting a fee.
You may be right about Jose's plans, we'll have to see but I'm interested to see how/if he makes improvements in creating a pathway for the lads coming through.
If he goes on loan, especially to a Championship club, I'm certain he'll never make it here. I'm not that confident either way but, in my opinion, he's ready now.
Some Preston fans seem confident of signing him. One saying he'll play as a striker but I don't know why they think that.
Hope he does well and is back in the premier league soon. Need to get a shirt ordered with his name to add to my collection. Will be a special one alongside my Lawrence one.
Hope he does well and is back in the premier league soon. Need to get a shirt ordered with his name to add to my collection. Will be a special one alongside my Lawrence one.
PNE is a good destination. He will surely play a lot of games. I wouldn't be against sending CBJ or Riley there as well if they want. Always hope that we can have a semi-feeder club in the Championship like Hull few years ago. It's quite hard to even get a good Championship loan these days.
Even though I wouldn't be a fan of the loan itself, I'd try my best to catch as many PNE matches as possible with them having Pearson and Harrop. Two of my favourite youth players in recent years.
Have you been keeping up with Lawrence? He went on amazing goal scoring run this year, didn't he? It'll be interesting to see whether he games game time at Leicester this upcoming season. I hope he does as it'd be great seeing him in the PL.
Yea he went on a hot streak after being moved centrally at the turn of the year and got 8 goals in about a month. Was pushed back wide again then and got a few more assists. Unfortunately only watched a couple of his matches. Mainly just saw his goal highlights.
They supposedly told him before that he was free to leave but have now maybe changed their minds. He was being linked heavily away in January and reports were also that they were willing to let him leave. He came out in about march that Leicester hadnt contacted him since august when he left on loan. So I don't think there is much of good relationship there. Newcastle one of the strong links so might see him moving there. New Leicester manager and all that though so maybe they'll decide to keep him. It's looking set for him to be in the PL next year anyway. I can't wait to hopefully watch him play regularly.
Would we be losing him on a free to PNE? Or is it a loan?
Why are we selling him? He just scored a peach on his debut ffs.
Can't wait to see him play for UNITED, next season.
....Not to be confused with Harrop?
So did Macheda.
And Nick Powell.