28 March 2023 , 11:34
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Manchester United supporters are worried Erik ten Hag is wasting Zidane Iqbal's talent after watching the youngster in action for Iraq.
Teenage midfielder Iqbal made his senior debut for United under Ralf Rangnick, but has not added to his one appearance in the Champions League. Ten Hag has named the 19-year old on his bench for several games this season, most recently the 2-0 win at Leeds in February, but has yet to give him a minute in any competition.
It has been a different story at international level, where the Manchester-born talent won his third cap for Iraq in a friendly against Russia. Iqbal played the full 90 minutes in a 2-0 defeat, and a moment of skill reminded United fans of his quality.
Footage from the Russia game - Iqbal's full international debut - sees him showcase his quality and confidence on the ball. He can be seen exhibiting a range of passing, while he is unfazed by the attention of multiple Russian defenders as he escapes their clutches.
"I don’t know why Ten Hag has not given him a debut till now!!" said one fan. Another went even further, saying "We are actually wasting his talent".
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"What happened to him, he was regularly with the first team but now he is nowhere to be seen near the first team," asked a third. "Wish he comes back and claims his spot alongside Kobbie Mainoo. And one day become an integral part of our midfield like Scholes and Giggs in the good old days."
Does Zidane Iqbal deserve a first team chance? Have your say in the comments section
Zidane Iqbal impressed in Iraq's game against Russia (Mike Kireev/NurPhoto via Getty Images)After coming under fire from Ten Hag during pre-season training, the midfielder showed his worth during United's friendlies ahead of the new campaign. Both he and fellow academy talent Charlie Savage earned praise from the manager, but neither has featured for the first team - with Savage loaned out to Forest Green Rovers in January.
"Those players have high potential, and when we construct a team, and they take the responsibility for their fitness, I am sure they will perform, and we will get the right results," Ten Hag said over the summer. "I think it's always a matter of developing. That's with experienced players and with younger players.
"I am a coach, I am not afraid, if players are good enough and are old enough, I will play them. We set a high standard, and values, and the team respond to it. We are happy with that."
Iqbal has made the bench for six league games this season, but continues to predominantly feature in Premier League 2. He was also an unused substitute for all six of United's Europa League group games as well as the first leg of their play-off against Barcelona.