What a week it has been for young Josh Harrop: a hat-trick for the reserves on Monday against Spurs and then yesterday’s man of the match performance.
From the off, Harrop looked lively and his neat footwork won United a corner. Minutes later he got onto the end of Paul Pogba’s ball, swivelled past Martin Kelly like he was a training prop and unleashed a curling effort past Wayne Hennessey in goal. Harrop’s confidence was soaring and he attempted another shot from a similar position but couldn’t convert this time round.
Josh Harrop’s confidence and composure on the ball was superb. It did not look like a 21-year-old making his senior debut. Harrop’s stats speak for themselves. Josh had an incredible 98% passing accuracy. He also won an impressive 15 duels and put in 4 crosses into the box. His understanding of the situation was impeccable. Yes the early goal must have calmed the young man’s nerves but take nothing away from him.
Going forward, Josh Harrop did not get many chances but he always seemed to be free and was an extra option in midfield. Even when he had the ball, Harrop made the right pass time and time again. Nicky Butt would have been proud of all his players’ performances but Harrop’s was the stand out one.
Josh Harrop has set the bar for himself very high and if yesterday’s performance is a sign of things to come, then Old Trafford has yet another kid to sing about.