Zidane Iqbal scored a goal his namesake would have been proud of for Manchester United’s EFL Trophy side.
Iqbal’s curler came at the Stadium of Light as Manchester United’s under-21s took on Sunderland.
Picking the ball up after a short corner, Iqbal steadied himself to shoot, before bending the ball around former United youngster Jacob Carney and into the top corner.
Iqbal’s goal was an equaliser sandwiched between two second half Sunderland goals.
Player to watch
Iqbal lined up as an attacking midfielder alongside Charlie Savage as United played a more conventional 4-4-2 formation.
The goal was reward for a strong individual performance after his low shot had rebounded off the post in the first half.
Joe Hugill had also hit the post early on, after rounding the goalkeeper and shooting from a difficult angle.
The strike was Iqbal’s second goal of the season for United’s under-23s, following a winner over Brighton in the league last month.
He also scored during the international break for Iraq’s under-23 side, in a game in which he captained the team.
Out of the competition
United lost this game 2-1 to Sunderland and have now been eliminated from the competition.
The side were without midfield talent Hannibal, who was out injured, Slovakia youth international Martin Svidersky, Czech under-21 goalkeeper Matej Kovar, and Teden Mengi, who has been training with England.
Mengi was in the side when United beat Bradford City 3-0 away from home last month, as was Shola Shoretire, who also missed this game due to international involvement for England’s under-19s.
United won one game and lost two, with the players picking up vital experience during the competition.
Charlie McNeill, Bjorn Hardley, Joe Hugill, Dillon Hoogewerf, and Zidane Iqbal all scored goals in the competition, while Charlie Savage claimed another which eventually was registered as an own goal.
United brought young striker Manni Norkett on late on, with the 16-year-old getting a brief taste of a more competitive level. A last ditch equaliser would have forced penalties, but Sunderland were able to hold on for the win.
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