With Donny van de Beek marking his return to first team action against Sheriff Tiraspol on Thursday night, Zidane Iqbal dropped down to play for Manchester United’s Under-21s for just the second time this season.
The 19-year-old started in midfield alongside good friend Charlie Savage and Kobbie Mainoo in yesterday’s 1-1 Premier League 2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur.
But the two-time Iraq international only lasted 27 minutes before being replaced by Omari Forson after 27 minutes.
According to the club’s website, United’s number 55 “looked to have picked up a knock”.
Zidane Iqbal suffers injury scare
In his short time on the pitch, Iqbal had an impact on the game with him winning Mark Dempsey’s side a penalty after three minutes after being fouled in the box.
But Noam Emeran sent the spot-kick over the bar.
Iqbal’s only other appearance at Premier League 2 level this season came via a 2-2 draw against Liverpool last month.
The Manchester United Academy graduate’s other two appearances this season have come in the EFL Trophy.
With van de Beek back available for Erik ten Hag, the former Ajax manager may allow Iqbal to feature more for the club’s under-21s.
With United’s number 34 joining the likes of Casemiro, Fred, Scott McTominay, Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes in competing for the three midfield places in ten Hag’s system, Iqbal may not be included in the Premier League matchday squads.
Similar to Savage, United may re-review Iqbal’s situation in the January transfer window and may be willing to let him go out on loan if the right club is found, which will provide regular first team football at senior level.
But Iqbal’s short-term focus will be on shrugging off the knock he suffered yesterday, and he’ll be hoping that it doesn’t keep him out of action for any great deal length of time.
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