Zidane Iqbal, a former Manchester United prodigy, has faced a disciplinary demotion to Utrecht’s reserves due to manager Ron Jans’ concerns over his commitment, highlighting a recurring challenge for the young midfielder.
Former Manchester United starlet Zidane Iqbal has been demoted to the reserves at his current club, Utrecht, according to a report from the Daily Express.
The ex-Old Trafford prodigy has been dispatched to Jong FC Utrecht as a disciplinary measure, following dissatisfaction from manager Ron Jans regarding the player’s commitment in training before the recent international break.
Iqbal, who is now 22 years old, will be absent from the forthcoming Europa League clash against Real Betis.
The midfielder recently earned his 22nd cap for Iraq after featuring twice against the United Arab Emirates, aiding his country’s advancement in World Cup qualifying. This season, he has clocked up five Eredivisie appearances and two in the Europa League.
The demotion marks another setback in a difficult spell for the player, who left Manchester United in the summer of 2023 for a £1 million fee, having felt his progress had stalled under Erik ten Hag.
Iqbal, who spent 11 years at United and was the first British South Asian to represent the club, previously expressed frustration at his lack of opportunities at Old Trafford.
He told The National, regarding his time at United: “I thought to myself, ‘I’m just like a number’.” Iqbal’s debut for the first team came in December 2021 in the Champions League against Young Boys.