Erik ten Hag decides to keep Zidane Iqbal at Manchester United next season
According to The Daily Mail, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has decided to keep Zidane Iqbal at the club for next season after the 19-year-old impressed during pre-season,
The Iraqi national has featured in all of United’s friendlies so far. The 19-year-old started in the behind-closed-doors game against Wrexham AFC that the Red Devils won 4-1.
Ten Hag seems fond of the player who travelled with the squad on the Asia and Australia tour. Iqbal’s shining moment came in the first pre-season game against Liverpool. The 19-year-old held his own in the midfield against Premier League veterans.
Since then, the Iraqi national hasn’t looked back and caught the eyes of fans and management alike. And there’s a chance now that we get to see more of the academy star on the pitch in a red shirt in the upcoming campaign.
Iqbal made his debut for United last season as he came on for the final minutes of a Champions League game against BSC Young Boys. Fans will hope the upcoming season is more fruitful for the 19-year-old.
Iqbal has also played at the international level for Iraq. The 19-year-old has played for the U23 as well as the senior side. The academy youngster has two caps for the Lions of Mesopotamia, playing in the World Cup qualifiers.
We have other talented youngsters on our books. Charlie Savage is another name alongside Iqbal, who has impressed during pre-season. The duo have looked calm and collected under pressure and have much potential.
James Garner is another academy product who made a name for himself in the Championship with Nottingham Forest. Whether he will play a bigger role, this time at Old Trafford remains to be seen.
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With a long season ahead under new manager Ten Hag, fans will hope youngsters like Iqbal can get minutes on the pitch to prove themselves and gain valuable first-team experience. A second coming of the class of 92 anyone?
