Manchester United midfielder Zidane Iqbal is keen to leave on loan this month.
Iqbal, 19, was an unused substitute for the 11th time this season in the 3-0 League Cup quarter-final win over Charlton as 17-year-old Kobbie Mainoo made his full debut.
With Iqbal at a more advanced stage of his development and Mainoo a regular participant in first-team training, the Iraqi international is seeking competitive playing time for the rest of the season.
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United manager Erik ten Hag is reluctant to leave United's squad light and Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, Fred and Scott McTominay are the only midfielders more senior than Iqbal.
United's elimination from the EFL Trophy effectively limits Iqbal to opportunities in the under-21 league. Iqbal started in the Under-21s' 2-1 win at Fulham on Friday night.
Iqbal's only United appearance was as a substitute in the Champions League group stage draw with Young Boys in December 2021. The United academy graduate played in four of the club's six pre-season friendlies.
Staff at United believe it is beneficial for Iqbal to train with the first team for the rest of the season and then potentially embark on a season-long loan in the summer but have debated whether to let Iqbal head out on loan in recent months.
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