Zidane Iqbal, a young player for Manchester United, has addressed coach Erik ten Hag following his impressive preseason display against Liverpool.
In Bangkok, Iqbal played the entire second half after taking over for Scott McTominay, and Ten Hag’s team went on to win 4-0. After Jadon Sancho, Fred, and Anthony Martial scored in the first half, Facundo Pellistri scored after the break.
Iqbal played 45 minutes against Jurgen Klopp’s team, adding to a stellar 2022 in which the midfielder also appeared twice for Iraq’s senior team. Last season, he earned his Red Devils senior debut against Swiss team Young Boys in the Champions League.
Speaking to United’s club website, Iqbal thanked Ten Hag for the opportunity given to him, as well as academy colleague Charlie Savage, on the club’s pre-season tour of Asia and Australia.
He said: “Playing a very strong Liverpool team and obviously coming away with the win, I’d just like to thank the manager for putting his trust in me and Sav, you know?”
“[I’m] feeling excited, first tour. Honestly, it’s been boiling, the sweat, but it’s only going to help us with the season, just adapting to the last four days in Bangkok has been tough and obviously, we’re now going to Australia.
There are nine hours of the time difference between there and England, so it will be challenging but exciting, and we are looking forward to it.
With his performance, Iqbal sent a message to Ten Hag that United’s other promising young talents, including Anthony Elanga, who made 27 first-team appearances for the Red Devils the previous season, had praised.
Iqbal shared a picture on Instagram with the remark, “First game done, Thanks to all the fans in [Thailand],” following the victory over Liverpool. Elena responded with “What a player,” followed by a fire emoji, in response.
