Zidane Iqbal, a young midfielder for Manchester United, has made an immediate impression on Erik ten Hag, who is wondering why the player has not played more frequently for the first team.
This week, Ten Hag oversaw training at Carrington for the first time, outlining his goals and objectives for the next campaign.
The Dutchman has previously warned that after a disappointing 2020–21 season, he will challenge some of the club’s young academy talents for spots in the starting XI.
According to The Sun, Iqbal, Hannibal Mejbri, and Alejandro Garnacho impressed the management while participating in training this week.
Iqbal made his senior debut under Ralf Rangnick last season, substituting for the last minute of a Champions League match against Young Boys. This week, Iqbal signed a new long-term contract with the club.
Many of the younger players have participated in the training sessions, a source told The Sun.
Ibqal has pleased him, and he wonders why he hasn’t been featured more.
Garnacho put on several exciting performances for United’s Under-23 team last season, earning two cameos under Rangnick.
Mejbri, meanwhile, won over fans with a sassy cameo off the bench against Liverpool at Anfield in April before playing an hour against Crystal Palace on the final day of the season.
Ten Hag has informed the young players that spots in his team are up for grabs since the new manager wants to foster “healthy rivalry” within the group.
The source claimed that Ten Hag was attempting to convey to the veteran players that their jobs were also up for grabs.
The players who are willing to follow his directions will be selected for the first team if they put in a lot of effort.
Everyone has improved, which is fostering healthy competition.
