Manchester United midfielder Zidane Iqbal wants to secure a loan move this month, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Despite impressing on Tour 22, the two-time Iraqi international is yet to feature in a competitive game under Erik ten Hag.
The former Ajax manager opted to hand 17-year-old Kobbie Mainoo his debut in last night’s 3-0 Carabao Cup quarter-final win against League One side Charlton Athletic.
Iqbal was an unused substitute against the Addicks with Mainoo starting alongside Scott McTominay and Fred.
Summer signings Casemiro and Christian Eriksen came off the bench with Iqbal once again having to settle for the role of onlooker.
Zidane Iqbal wants to secure loan move this month
The 19-year-old was an unused substitute for the 11th time this season, and it’s hard to see him featuring under Ten Hag during this campaign as the season develops.
The MEN report: “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.”
But with Donny van de Beek likely to face a long spell on the sidelines, Ten Hag won’t want to leave himself light in the midfield department.
While Iqbal is keen to embark on his first loan move away from the Red Devils, the MEN add that staff at Carrington ‘believe it is beneficial for Iqbal to train with the first team for the rest of the season and then potentially embark on a a season-long loan in the summer’.
Iqbal’s only appearance for the first team was as a substitute in the Champions League group stage dead rubber against Young Boys in December 2021 when Ralf Rangnick was in interim charge.
United’s number 55 started both of the winter friendlies against La Liga sides Cadiz and Real Betis. The United academy graduate also played in four of the club’s six pre-season friendlies.
The talented midfielder has made seven appearances for the club’s under-21s side this season across Premier League 2 and EFL Trophy.