Man Utd youngster set to stay at club after impressive pre-season

Manchester United are more than halfway through their pre-season preparations, with only two friendlies remaining before the Premier League curtain-raiser against Brighton in just 11 days.

Erik ten Hag’s side face Atletico Madrid on Saturday before the final friendly of the summer against Rayo Vallecano at Old Trafford just over 24 hours later.

It’s believed that Ten Hag will field his strongest possible side for one of the games but it remains to be seen which friendly is prioritised.

Zidane Iqbal is one of several youngsters to have impressed over the summer – the 19-year-old earned plaudits for his fearless performances against Liverpool and Melbourne Victory.

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Iqbal formed a midfield partnership with Charlie Savage in most second halves of the tour and now, there seems to be some clarity over his future.

According to the Daily Mail, Iqbal is not thought to be one of the players to be going on loan as Ten Hag decides how he’s going to shape the squad. Iqbal is now believed to be staying with the squad for the 2022/23 campaign.

SN’s verdict…
Pre-season is the perfect opportunity for aspiring youngsters to impress the manager and Iqbal is certainly one of the players to have given him a selection headache.

United are light in midfield and with the pursuit of Frenkie de Jong continuing to drag on, there is a possibility for first-team minutes for Iqbal this season.

The lack of experience at first-team level is, however, concerning but Ten Hag’s decision to keep him at the club could mean that he is deemed to be ready for that.

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