Erik ten Hag is taken aback by Manchester United’s teenager and questions why he hasn’t played more
Erik ten Hag has been taken aback by Zidane Iqbal, whom he believes Manchester United has not used quite enough.
The Dutchman has arrived at Old Trafford as manager and has participated in his first pre-season training sessions since leaving Ajax for the position last season.
The 52-year-old was chosen ahead of Mauricio Pochettino in a race against the Argentine.
One of the reasons for this is that Ten Hag has a strong track record of developing high-potential athletes.
At Ajax, he was surrounded by young stars like as Matthijs de Ligt, Ryan Gravenbarch, and Frenkie de Jong, with whom he hopes to re-unite with at United.
And the new manager is already hoping to bring through the kids in Manchester, despite the fact that the Red Devils have one of the top academies in the world.
It has produced top stars from every age throughout the years, including David Beckham, Gary Neville, Marcus Rashford, Paul Pogba, and George Best.
After getting a good look throughout the early parts of pre-season, the latest off the production line might not be that far away from the first-team as well.
Iqbal has distinguished herself as one of the top starlets who created an immediate impression.
According to The Sun, Ten Hag is perplexed as to why Iqbal has not been utilised more frequently in the first team.
Last season, the 19-year-old earned his senior debut in a Champions League dead rubber against Young Boys.
However, Ten Hag believes that this is insufficient, and that if the youth continues his improvement, he will be given the opportunity to step up and assume more duties.
However, the Iraq international is not the only one who has drawn attention.
Hannibal Mejbri and Alejandro Garnacho have also impressed in the early parts of pre-season, while Ralf Rangnick employed the duo more last season, notably towards the end of the season.
Positions are up for grabs next year, thanks to Ten Hag’s clean slate.
Despite interest in some great players, United are failed to make a splash in the summer window. As previously said, Barcelona star De Jong remains the key objective for reviving the midfield.
There are also hopes to sign Jurrien Timber, Lisandro Martinez, and Antony from Ajax.
Tyrell Malacia of Feyenoord is also expected to join in the coming days, becoming the club’s first signing under Ten Hag.
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Erik ten Hag is taken aback by Manchester United’s teenager and questions why he hasn’t played more
