Former Manchester United prospect Zidane Iqbal made his return to action for Utrecht after a length lay-off.
While Kobbie Mainoo was the star of Manchester United’s pre-season in 2023, it was Zidane Iqbal who turned heads in 2022.
Iqbal though, did not play a single minute of competitive first team football under Erik ten Hag, who eventually promoted Mainoo ahead of him.
This was one of the determining factors in Manchester United selling Iqbal, 20, on a permanent deal in the summer to Dutch side Utrecht.
Zidane Iqbal injury problems
There are high hopes at Utrecht for Zidane Iqbal, however, he has been denied the opportunity to kick on so far.
Iqbal had only played six minutes of competitive football before suffering an injury in September, which had kept him out since.
At the weekend Iqbal made his return, coming off the bench in the 86th minute as Utrecht held third place AZ Alkmaar to a 1-1 draw.
Iqbal’s brief performance saw him complete four out of five passes attempted, win one tackle, and two duels.
This was an important step for him, his first game-time in three months, and he will hope to get his first start for Utrecht in the coming weeks, with three more Eredivisie games in December.
A weekend to forget for Charlie Savage
Iqbal’s former teammate Charlie Savage has played a lot more regularly at League One side Reading, enjoying some good moments, scoring three goals.
At the weekend he endured a low point, with Reading crashing out of the FA Cup away at non-league Eastleigh, losing 2-1.
Savage was substituted off in the 58th minute with his team trailing. This is a disappointment the 20-year-old will want to move on from quickly.
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