Why Zidane Iqbal has only played for Utrecht once after leaving Manchester United

Zidane Iqbal was regarded as a trailblazer in Man United's academy and he left the club in the summer to join FC Utrecht.

Zidane Iqbal's start to life at FC Utrecht after his departure from Manchester United has not gone as planned due to injury.

United accepted an offer from Utrecht for academy graduate Iqbal for around €1million in the summer and the midfielder, who had changed agencies to find a new club, signed for the Eredivisie side on a four-year deal.

Iqbal joined United's academy aged nine and he became the first British South Asian footballer to represent the club when making his senior debut against BSC Young Boys in December 2021 in the Champions League.

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The 20-year-old was frustrated at his lack of game time at United, but unfortunately, his move to Utrecht hasn't gone as planned because he was recovering from an injury sustained earlier this year when he arrived in Holland.

The injury meant Iqbal had to win until last month to make his debut for Utrecht, where the youngster made his first appearance from the bench with a six-minute cameo in a 3-1 league victory.

Iqbal has made three Utrecht matchday squads and he's been an unused substitute twice, but he represented Iraq during the September international break and he's expected to be available again in just over a week's time.

Iraq are playing three games during the current October international break but Iqbal was not named in their squad.

The Sale-born midfielder penned an emotional letter when he left United, writing: "Representing Manchester United in Europe is one of the biggest honours you can have in your career. People don’t realise the amount of work and dedication that goes into achieving a debut and living out your dream.

"The fans were amazing with me that day. You’ve always given such love and support to myself and my family. Trust me it did not go unnoticed or unappreciated. I’ll always be a United fan and I’ll always love this football club.

"The time is right to go and take on a new challenge. It is one that I cannot wait for and I’ll be applying myself with the same level of desire, determination and dedication that has taken me this far in my career."