Following his impressive pre-season performances under new Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, Zidane Iqbal has opened up on his time at the club.
The Manchester United midfielder has been heavily praised for his efforts so far on United’s pre-season tour, playing 45 minutes in both games so far.
Constantly wanting the ball at his feet, Iqbal has kicked off his first pre-season with the senior team in style, picking up United’s Man of the Match award against Melbourne Victory.
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Speaking at a fan forum in Australia, Iqbal talked about his role in United’s pre-season tour so far.
“I have told myself: ‘This could be the only chance I get in the first team', said Iqbal. ”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.”
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Iqbal, who made his first team debut last season, coming off the bench in United’s Champions League match against Young Boys last season, talked about how much it means to represent the club.
“I have grown up loving this club. I have played here since I was eight or nine,” Said Iqbal. “to play in front of 90,000 people [in Bangkok] is something I dreamed of. To play against [Melbourne] Victory and against Liverpool, even in the Champions League, is hard to describe. “
However, despite his clear admiration for the club, Iqbal admitted he could be open to a loan move away from United:
“[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.”
Commenting on his experience as part of the pre-season squad, Iqbal commented on the positivity that can be felt amongst the first team.
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“There is definitely a good vibe around the team,’ Remarked Iqbal. "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.”
Iqbal, the first British born South Asian to play for United, has been capped on two occasions by the Iraq national team. However, the 19-year-old isn’t letting the weight of his heritage weigh him down.
“Obviously there are not many South Asians playing [in the Premier League] but if you are good enough, I believe you will make it no matter where you come from. I don’t pay too much attention to it. But, yes, there are a lot more people watching what I do because they can … not relate, but kind of [have an interest].
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“I am just trying to take my journey on. I will always give 100% in training and matches. If I am inspiring people along the way, that is brilliant.”
Alongside fellow Manchester United youth midfielder Charlie Savage, Zidane Iqbal has started off United’s pre-season tour as one of the standout players so far.
Manchester United’s pre-season tour will continue on Tuesday, with the team facing Premier League opposition in Crystal Palace.
Topics: Manchester United, Zidane Iqbal, Erik Ten Hag, Football, Liverpool, Charlie Savage
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Jozef Kostecki