Erik Ten Hag 'Left Stunned' By Manchester United Youngster, Doesn't Know Why He's Played So Little
Erik ten Hag is very impressed with Zidane Iqbal and believes Manchester United should have given him more opportunities.
Ten Hag has an impressive track record with academy players and he handed out 21 debuts during his time at Ajax.
Iqbal is yet to feature in the Premier League for United, but came on as a substitute in December's 1-1 draw with Young Boys in the Champions League.
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It remains the 19-year-old's only appearance and according to The Sun, ten Hag is shocked by that.
The Iraq international is a highly-rated midfielder and is the first British/South Asian player to represent the club.
He is not the only academy graduate to impress ten Hag.
Alejandro Garnacho, who scored twice in the FA Youth Cup final against Nottingham Forest, is said to be on the 'fast track' to more minutes.
The 18-year-old was entitled to three weeks off after representing Argentina in the Toulon Tournament, but opted to return early to impress his new boss.
Hannibal Mejbri, who became a cult hero for a string of fiery performances in the last campaign, is another prospect that has caught ten Hag's eye.
A source explained: "A lot of the younger players have been in the training sessions, too. He has been impressed with Iqbal and wonders why he has not featured more.
"Ten Hag is trying to tell the senior players that their positions are up for grabs, too.
"If they work hard, the players willing to carry out his instructions will take the first-team spots.
"Everyone has stepped up their game and it’s creating healthy competition."
Ten Hag is keen for United to adopt his philosophy and is thorough in his methods.
Five key pillars have been established and they are as follows:
- Pass forwards - sideways and backwards will not be tolerated
- "Unacceptable" body language and fitness must be improved on
- No dressing room cliques
- Opportunities for youngsters to oust first-teamers
- Medals and reputation irrelevant for team selection, solely training performance
United finished sixth in the Premier League last season and failed to qualify for the Champions League.
Their point haul of 58 was also their lowest in the Premier League era.
New signings are expected imminently, with Tyrell Malacia ready to complete a move from Feyenoord.
Christian Eriksen has also communicated he is willing to sign as a free agent.
Topics: Manchester United, Erik Ten Hag
Daniel Marland