Manchester United made the decision to part ways with academy graduate Zidane Iqbal and now he is standing out at the 2026 World Cup.
There are 14 Manchester United players at the 2026 World Cup this summer but plenty more former Red Devils stars at the tournament.
One of those is Zidane Iqbal, who represents Iraq and has featured in both their World Cup games against Norway and France so far.
Iqbal was sold by United for less than £1 million in 2023 – a decision green-lighted by Erik ten Hag as manager.
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Zidane Iqbal shines despite 3-0 France defeat
Since leaving Old Trafford, Iqbal has thrived at Eredivisie club Utrecht and he has carried his positive momentum into the World Cup.
Iqbal was limited to a substitute appearance against Norway in Iraq’s opener, but he played the full 90 minutes in the 3-0 defeat to France.
It is Kylian Mbappe who is hogging headlines after scoring another brace for France, but Iqbal’s performance was mightily impressive given Iraq’s underdog status.
As pointed out by Statman Dave on X, Iqbal’s match stats were very impressive:
- 100% successful take-ons
- 88% pass accuracy
- 42 touches
- 11 carries
- 5 passes into the final third
- 5 duels contested
- 3 duels won
- 3 ball recoveries
- 1 progressive carry
Up against a midfield of Adrien Rabiot, Manu Kone and Michael Olise, Iqbal went toe-to-toe with world-class players and held his own.
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Man United will regret Zidane Iqbal sale
Even back in 2023, Iqbal’s sale looked like terrible business. Unsurprisingly, that has turned out to be the case three years later.
Iqbal was highly rated at United and was considered one of the brightest academy talents at the club, but his first-team breakthrough never came.
One of the reasons Iqbal was overlooked was because Kobbie Mainoo made his breakthrough first and managed to cement a spot in the senior squad.
But Iqbal at 23 years old now looks like a serious player at a time when United are desperate for midfield reinforcements.
Selling Iqbal might have been best for his career, and perhaps the decision itself is not regrettable. But getting less than £1 million for a player now shining at the World Cup is another example of United’s poor transfer business.
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