Manchester United have cashed in on a number of young players in recent times with the reality of life at Old Trafford setting in.
Manchester United have a great record when it comes to blooding academy players into the first team.
Ethan Wheatley became United’s 250th academy graduate last year and that rich history is something United should be proud to continue.
Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho have shown huge potential in the United ranks
Not everybody can become an Old Trafford star though and United have shown a willingness to sell promising youngsters.
Teden Mengi, Hannibal, Will Fish, Charlie Savage and Willy Kambwala spring to mind with United cashing in early – though often placing buy-back clauses in their departures.
Ex-Manchester United talent in surprise title race
One of the youngsters to move on in 2023 was midfielder Zidane Iqbal.
The Manchester-born talent had long been tipped for a bright future but first-team opportunities at Old Trafford were hard to come by.
Anthony Elanga saw big talent in Iqbal but he made just one first-team appearance before leaving in 2023.
United sold Iqbal to Utrecht for just £850,000 but placed a 40% sell-on clause in the deal, ensuring potential incoming funds down the line.
Iqbal had a quiet first season but is now starting to build momentum with Utrecht.
The 21-year-old had started each of Utrecht’s last six Eredivisie games and scored against Almere City in December.
After finishing seventh last season, there weren’t exactly huge expectations around Utrecht this season.
Iqbal and co now find themselves in a title race though as Utrecht sit just six points behind leaders PSV Eindhoven.
Utrecht are third in the Eredivisie, four points clear of Feyenoord and five points shy of Ajax.
Winning the title is a big ask for Utrecht but fans and players will be allowed to dream a little for now.
Zidane Iqbal performances recognised
Iqbal is really starting to become a key man for Utrecht and that has been reflected in the Eredivisie Team of the Month for December.
The former United talent has been given a place in the XI, joining PSV duo Richard Ledezma and Noa Lang.
Iqbal is clearly catching the eye in the Netherlands and is starting to really prove his talent.
United will be keeping close tabs on Iqbal’s progress, not just for the sell-on clause aspect but maybe even for a return to Old Trafford one day.
Iqbal has a long way to go before that becomes a possibility but this season is turning into one of major progress for him.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
