Man Utd player Iqbal ‘set to leave’ after Ten Hag’s F-bomb outburst in training

Zidane Iqbal could be heading for the Manchester United exit door – just months after being on the end of a sweary rant from Erik ten Hag.

The 20-year-old midfielder is highly-rated but didn’t manage any first-team minutes last season despite being named on the bench on a number of occasions. Amid a desire to secure first-team action, the Iraqi international could be farmed out on loan next season, although a permanent exit is a possibility too, according to ManchesterWorld.

It seems Ten Hag isn’t totally convinced by Iqbal. As well as the youngster’s absence of game time, the United boss was caught on camera blasting the midfielder during a training session.

During a drill, Ten Hag yelled: “Keep the ball on the floor… Zidane! Hey! Keep the ball! F***ing rubbish!”

READ MORE: Mason Greenwood ‘delighted’ he’s wanted back at United after ‘frustration’ at not playing

Iqbal has figured in United’s first team previously, coming off the bench in a Champions League game against Young Boys in December 2021 when Ralf Rangnick was at the helm.

“If an opportunity came up to go out on loan, I would weigh up the pros and cons,” said Iqbal at the time.

“Right now it is too early to say. See what the future holds. It’s the best feeling [to be playing]. I have grown up loving this club. I have played here since I was eight or nine.”

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Iqbal, who remains under contract at Old Trafford, was named on the club’s retained list this week. The headline news was the retention of Mason Greenwood, with Erik ten Hag said to be happy for the forward to return to his squad after charges of attempted rape, assault and controlling and coercive behaviour were dropped in February.

United said “discussions remain open” with goalkeeper David de Gea over a new contract, with the long-serving goalkeeper’s current deal on the verge of expiring.