Manchester United youngster Zidane Iqbal has vowed to make the most of his pre-season opportunity with Erik ten Hag's first team.
The 19-year-old Iraq international, who made his senior debut in the final minute in December 2021's 1-1 draw with Young Boys, has been one of the stars of the summer for United, featuring in both the victories over Liverpool and Melbourne Victory.
He was a regular for United's Under-23 side last season but is now thinking about the future, admitting after the 4-1 win in Australia that he may never get another opportunity to impress Ten Hag and the Old Trafford faithful.
“I have told myself: ‘This could be the only chance I get in the first team'," Iqbal said.
“It has been part of my game since I was young; always wanting the ball. I just do what I do and whatever is meant to be will be. I will have no regrets. I will just try to do my best on the pitch and leave it up to God. I would like to thank the fans for showing me all the love and support recently. It is an amazing feeling.
“I have grown up loving this club. I have played here since I was eight or nine. To play in front of 90,000 people [in Bangkok] is something I dreamed of. To play against Victory and against Liverpool, even in the Champions League, is hard to describe. [But] if an opportunity came up to go out on loan, I would weigh up the pros and cons.
"Right now it is too early to say. See what the future holds.”
The first player of south Asian descent ever to play for United's seniors, Iqbal is a creative midfielder who netted twice in 17 Under-23 appearances last season.
He has been given fleeting opportunities under previous managers and admitted things are looking up under new boss Ten Hag.
“There is definitely a good vibe around the team,” he said. “It is a new manager, early doors, but the ideas he has given us, two good results, everyone is happy in training. Everyone is giving 100% which is the best kind of atmosphere.”
Source : 90min