ZIDANE IQBAL has confirmed he is leaving Manchester United.
Iqbal, 20, drew widespread praise from Red Devils fans thanks to impressive performances in the club’s Youth teams.
GettyZidane Iqbal has confirmed he is leaving Man Utd[/caption]
Fans had begged Erik ten Hag to give Iqbal some minutes in their dead-rubber final Premier League game against Fulham.
However, reports emerged yesterday suggesting Iqbal was set to depart Old Trafford after a bid of just under £1million from FC Utrecht was accepted.
And today the midfielder has confirmed he will be leaving United after penning an emotional letter to fans.
The highly-rated youngster, who has been at the club for 15 years, wrote: “Manchester United has been my home since I was 5 years old.
“I have so many incredible memories of my 15 years associated with his amazing club… There are too many people to thank.
“The Academy is a special place that makes dreams com true for so many. That was certainly the case for me.
“I’ll never forget standing on the touchline at the Theatre of Dreams waiting to com on for my debut. That feeling of pride will live with me forever.”
He concluded: “I’ll always be a United fan and i’ll always love this football club.
“The time is right to go and take on a new challenge… This is a perfect opportunity and I cannot wait to get started.”
Iqbal made his debut for United in the Champions League group stage clash against Young Boys, making history as the first British South Asian to play for Manchester United.
He had put pen to paper on a three-year deal only last year and was a star during the club’s summer tour.
The Manchester Evening News claim Ten Hag is now playing a more “active role” in the academy.
However, their report adds that only stars matching the Dutchman’s high standards will be given first team opportunities.
The likes of Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo appear to be two stars who the ex-Ajax boss rates, with both being given time in the first team across last season.