Zidane Iqbal wants to leave Manchester United on loan in January.
Much was anticipated of Iqbal, 19, after rumours suggested Erik ten Hag was impressed by the teenager during pre-season training. It was believed the Iraq international, who was born in Manchester, would be given a chance by his manager but is yet to make a senior appearance this term. As such, he reportedly wants to complete a loan spell.
The news comes six months after Ten Hag was filmed barking orders at Iqbal in training. He shouted: "Keep the ball on the floor... Zidane! Hey! Keep the ball! F***ing rubbish!"
As reported by the Manchester Evening News, Iqbal is seeking competitive playing time for the rest of the season. It's claimed Ten Hag is reluctant to sign off on a loan deal due to the lack of central midfielders in his squad.
Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, Fred, Scott McTominay and Donny van de Beek are the only central midfielders deemed more senior than Iqbal at Old Trafford. Furthermore, Van de Beek appeared to suffer a serious leg injury in United's recent 3-0 Premier League win against Bournemouth. The Red Devils are yet to confirm the extend of the complaint.
Iqbal has been on the bench 11 times for United this season but has not played a single minute under Ten Hag. His most recent stint on Old Trafford's bench came during their 3-0 victory against League One side Charlton in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night.
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The talent's snub against the Addicks spoke volumes because Kobbie Mainoo, a 17-year-old who was part of the United side that defeated Nottingham Forest in the FA Youth Cup final last season, played ahead of him. Like the Iqbal, Mainoo is also a midfielder.
Iqbal's lack of minutes under Ten Hag contrasts with his initial view of the player. As reported by The Sun in July, Iqbal impressed his manager during his first few weeks in charge. "A lot of the younger players have been in the training sessions, too," said a source.
"He has been impressed with Ibqal and wonders why he has not featured more. Ten Hag is trying to tell the senior players that their positions are up for grabs, too. If they work hard, the players willing to carry out his instructions will take the first-team spots."
Iqbal's only professional appearances this season have come in the EFL Trophy, featuring three times in that competition. Yet the youngster will not play another minute in the EFL Trophy this term after United were knocked out by League One Bolton.
Most of Iqbal's opportunities this campaign have come in the Premier League 2. United's preference is for Iqbal to continue playing in that reserve competition and train with the first team before potentially completing a season-long loan deal in the summer.
That way, Ten Hag can call on Iqbal if there is an injury crisis in the coming weeks. Iqbal's only senior appearance for United so far came during their Champions League match against Young Boys in December 2021. He has two senior caps for Iraq.
