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Topics: Football, Manchester United, Zidane Iqbal, Transfers, Charlton Athletic
Chris Byfield
Topics: Football, Manchester United, Zidane Iqbal, Transfers, Charlton Athletic
Manchester United midfielder Zidane Iqbal may look to leave Old Trafford on loan this month after not featuring in the club's Carabao Cup game against Charlton Athletic.
On Tuesday night, Erik ten Hag’s side replicated their imperious league form in the Carabao Cup, dismantling League 1 side Charlton 3-0.
Brazilian winger Antony opened the scoring with a left-footed strike from distance before Marcus Rashford continued his fine form by claiming a late double in stoppage time.
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The 25-year-old has now netted 15 goals in all competitions this term, while his cameo against Charlton saw him score in his sixth consecutive game and for the eighth consecutive match at Old Trafford.
Ten Hag made eight changes to the United side that beat Everton in the FA Cup last Friday and even-handed 17-year-old midfielder Kobbie Mainoo his debut.
However, another highly-rated academy graduate, Iqbal, did not feature.
The Manchester Evening News (MEN) claim Iqbal is keen to leave United on loan this month to pursue more first-team minutes.
The 19-year-old was an unused substitute for the 11th time this season against Charlton.
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With Iqbal supposedly at a more advanced stage in his development than starter Mainoo, the midfielder is reportedly eager to leave Old Trafford and secure regular playing time for the rest of the season.
The Iraqi international has made just one first-team appearance at United so far, as an 89th-minute substitute in the club’s 2021 Champions League match against Young Boys.
In doing so he became the first South Asian to play for the Old Trafford club, and the first ever British South Asian to play in the Champions League.
The United academy graduate played in four of the club’s six pre-season friendlies.
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The MEN claims that United believe it's beneficial for Iqbal to train with the first team for the rest of the season and then potentially embark on a season-long loan next term.
However, United staff have also debated whether to let the teenager go out on loan before next summer in recent months.