FC Utrecht star and former Manchester United midfielder Zidane Iqbal has insisted he’s currently not concerning himself with thoughts about a potential return to Old Trafford.
In 2023, United accepted an offer worth around €1million from Utrecht to permanently part ways with Iqbal, who had changed agencies to find a new club.
Iqbal put pen to paper on a four-year deal with the Eredivisie club.
The player joined United’s academy at the age of nine and made history, becoming the first British South Asian footballer to represent the club when making his senior debut against BSC Young Boys in December 2021 in the Champions League.
Iqbal’s decision to leave United was motivated by a desire to secure guaranteed first-team opportunities elsewhere.
He had a very quiet first season at Stadion Galgenwaard, partly due to injuries, but his fortunes have significantly improved this campaign. So far this term, he has made 11 top-flight appearances.
The Iraq international has featured on 14 occasions across all competitions. Utrecht are currently in third place in the Eredivisie, eight points behind table leaders PSV Eindhoven and six adrift of Ajax in second.
Iqbal spoke to Algemeen Dagblad [via Utrecht Fans] and was asked about the possibility of making a sensational return to United, who have a buy-back option.
He responded, “To be honest: I don’t look that far. I’m not concerned with the future.”
“I leave that to God. I live in the now, take each day as it comes and enjoy, especially after that difficult first year.”
He added, “The fact that I can play football for FC Utrecht. Hopefully, we qualify for European football this season.”
On his difficult start to life at FC Utrecht, Iqbal remarked, “The beginning was difficult. I lived in a hotel, then in a temporary apartment. I had to get used to the Netherlands, missed my family and also got injured.”
“Now I’m happy and enjoying myself.”
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
