Former Manchester United youngster Angel Gomes has urged current Reds star Zidane Iqbal to 'keep pushing' in his quest to make the grade at Old Trafford.
Iqbal, who will celebrate his 20th birthday at the end of April, has not made a single first-team appearance for United this season, despite being considered as one of the jewels in the Reds' academy crown. He was the breakout star of the club's pre-season tour in Thailand and Australia last summer, producing a collection of encouraging cameo performances.
The Iraq international was also part of the squad that travelled to Spain for a week-long training camp during the World Cup break. As he did in pre-season, he impressed once again, particularly in the 4-2 defeat to Cadiz CF in the Reds' opening friendly.
READ MORE: Marcus Rashford verdict should make United's Jude Bellingham decision for them
But despite impressing under manager Erik ten Hag in friendly encounters, he has not been awarded a single minute worth of first-team football so far this season. His one and only previous experience of representing United at senior level was when he appeared as a late substitute during a Champions League clash with BSC Young Boys in December 2021.
He has been included in the matchday squad by Ten Hag on 11 occasions this season, but has failed to step off the bench in any of those fixtures. Several United supporters expected him to play some part in the 3-0 Carabao Cup win over Charlton Athletic earlier this month, only for fellow youngster Kobbie Mainoo to be preferred.
United fans, too, also expected him to play some part in Saturday night's 3-1 FA Cup fourth-round triumph over Reading. However, he started the Under-21s' 2-1 win over Blackburn Rovers the night before, meaning he was not included in the squad against the Royals.
It is understood that Iqbal would like to go on loan ahead of the transfer window slamming shut at 11pm on Tuesday evening. United are actively working to try and send some of their younger players out on loan before the bell but Iqbal might not be allowed to head out as he trains with the first team on a regular basis.
Iqbal, in the eyes of many United fans, has deserved an opportunity at first-team level this season, meaning a temporary loan stint away from Old Trafford, earning regular football, could be the next best step in his development. Although he is most probably frustrated not to have featured under Ten Hag this season, former Reds ace Gomes, who is now at French club Lille, has sent a message of encouragement to the Iraqi ace.
Commenting on a highlights reel of Iqbal's performance against Blackburn's Under-21s on Friday night, Gomes posted on Twitter: "@z10ane, keep pushing!! Joy to watch." Iqbal replied: "Thanks, bro."
Iqbal, who is threatening to become an all-rounded midfielder, equally capable of both sitting deep and attacking, is highly rated by those inside Old Trafford, meaning he will be determined to break into the first-team fold before too long, even if he will have to remain patient.
The midfielder, who has been with the Reds since the age of nine, has previously spent time away from Old Trafford, joining Preston North End on a short-term work experience basis. The Lilywhites have been linked with signing him on loan recently but manager Ryan Lowe played down the reports.
Find the Footballs on the MEN website and you could win £1,000. To find out more and register to play for FREE, click here!
READ NEXT:
