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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
George Smith

Erik ten Hag sets plan for Man United youngsters after Zidane Iqbal shone vs Liverpool FC

Manager Erik ten Hag has set the club the challenge of trying to unleash the potential of Manchester United's young players after Zidane Iqbal's impressive performance against Liverpool on Tuesday.

Iqbal, who put pen to paper on a new contract at Old Trafford last month, is one of several youngsters that has been included in the club's pre-season tour squad and he stored some valuable minutes under his belt in the 4-0 win over Jurgen Klopp's side. He stepped off the bench at half-time and played the whole of the second-half.

He joined fellow youngster Charlie Savage in midfield and produced a stylish performance, looking confident and calm in possession. He did not appear fazed by going up against the likes of Fabinho and Thiago.

READ MORE: Erik ten Hag confirms Donny van de Beek's best position

Iqbal, who turned 19 earlier this year, made his competitive debut for United last season, stepping off the bench in the 1-1 draw against Young Boys in the Champions League at Old Trafford. He will be hoping his first-team opportunities increase this term after travelling to Thailand and Australia.

Iqbal is one of several youngsters who will be aiming to leave their calling card over the course of the tour and Ten Hag believes United are bursting at the seams with young talent.

"I have said before, already, that I think Manchester United has a huge potential and really good players," said Ten Hag, speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of Friday's tussle with Melbourne Victory. "You have experienced players but also a lot of young boys who have a lot of potential, and now we have to get that potential out.

"To do that we have to work really hard. Man United is famous about it and Marcus Rashford is, I think, a symbol of the academy of Manchester United and more upcoming talents who come after."

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