Zidane Iqbal has been circled as a potential future Manchester United star following a productive display in Wednesday’s 4-2 friendly loss to Cadiz.
The youngster has not yet been granted his first senior minutes under Erik ten Hag but is currently training with the first team and has made the matchday squad nine times this season. He played 165 minutes in pre-season and was one of the standout academy performers during the tour of Thailand and Australia.
The Iraq international started the match against Cadiz after being included in the squad to participate in a week-long training camp in Spain amid the World Cup break. He impressed again and his quick drive led to him winning a penalty, which Anthony Martial cheekily scored with a Panenka.
READ MORE: United fans go wild after Zidane Iqbal moment vs Cadiz
Along with all other 10 outfield players, Iqbal was taken off at the break but had already made a marked impression by then. Speaking on MUTV, Wes Brown and Paul Woolston - who had to retire from the Under-23s due to injury earlier this year - both hailed the 19-year-old for his display.
Former goalkeeper Woolston explained why the midfielder might have been intentionally kept in-house this season rather than sent out on loan. He said: “He’s [Iqbal] still developing but the manager likes what he sees in him and that’s the main thing.
“He was one of the brightest stars in the first half so he’s doing everything right. “He’s at a valuable part of his career. The manager wants to keep the best around him, he hasn't been sent out on loan.
“He probably had a few chances to do it, and was probably knocking on the door to play. He’s learning with the best in the world and he’s doing everything right.”
Outlining what Iqbal must do to earn competitive minutes on the pitch, Woolston said: “He’s got to be patient but he’s got to keep trusting himself because the time will come to give him the nod for his first start.”
Meanwhile, Brown painted Iqbal as a future star but explained why Ten Hag has refrained from using the teenager so far this campaign. He said: “You have to be a special player to play in that position for Manchester United. He’s had a few chances and he’s shown glimpses of what he’s capable of.
“He’s still very young and the manager does like him and with experience, you’re hoping that he gets even better. He understands the game, he makes things happen.
"He got the penalty today and he can see things on the pitch a little bit differently and that's what you’re looking to expect from a Manchester United player.
“At such a young age you can’t just throw him in. At any other club he might have played a lot more but you’ve got to bring him in at the right time. He’s definitely one who we'll see a lot more of in the future for Man United.”
Iqbal made a late cameo appearance in last year’s Champions League tie against Young Boys for his senior debut but has yet to make another competitive first-team outing since.
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