Zidane Iqbal wants to make the most of his chance to impress Man United boss Erik ten Hag

Manchester United teenager Zidane Iqbal wants to make the most of his opportunity in the first team as he is aware that this may be the only chance he gets to impress Erik ten Hag.

Iqbal has made just one brief substitute appearance for the senior side in competitive matches, but he has been used in the second half of both United’s pre-season friendlies to date.

The 19-year-old has caught the eye, and did not look out of place when coming up against the likes of Fabinho, Thiago Alcantara and Naby Keita during United’s 4-0 win against Liverpool. Iqbal hopes to continue to make his mark, and is adamant that he will be left with ‘no regrets’.

Zidane Iqbal has impressed in pre-season for Manchester United in the side’s midfield

He is hoping to prove that he belongs in Erik ten Hag’s plans moving forward

‘I have told myself: ‘This could be the only chance I get in the first team,’ he said to reporters while on United’s pre-season tour of Australia.

‘It has been part of my game since I was young, always wanting the ball. I just do what I do and whatever is meant to be will be. I will have no regrets. 

‘I will just try to do my best on the pitch and leave it up to God really. I would like to thank the fans for showing me all the love and support recently. It is an amazing feeling. Thank you.’

Iqbal has come through United’s academy, and recently signed a contract extension to keep him at Old Trafford until 2025.

However, he has not ruled out leaving the club on loan if he feels that his opportunities are going to be limited this season.

‘I have grown up loving this club. I have played here since I was eight or nine. To play in front of 90,000 people [in Bangkok]. It is something I dreamed of. 

Iqbal has looked at home in the United side, and is enjoying the club’s pre-season tour

‘To play against Victory and against Liverpool, even in the Champions League. It is hard to describe. [But] if an opportunity came up to go out on loan, I would weigh up the pros and cons. Right now it is too early to say. See what the future holds,’ he added.

With United picking up back-to-back resounding wins in pre-season, Iqbal has claimed that the mood within the squad is a positive one, while he has insisted that he does not feel any extra pressure to succeed, despite being one of the only south Asian footballers in the top-flight.

He continued: ‘There is definitely a good vibe around the team. It is a new manager, early doors, but the ideas he has given us, two good results, everyone is happy in training. Everyone is giving 100% which is the best kind of atmosphere.

‘Obviously there are not many south Asians playing, but if you are good enough, I believe you will make it no matter where you come from. I don’t pay too much attention to it. 

‘I am just trying to take my journey on. Whatever is meant to be. I will always give 100% in training and matches. If I am inspiring people along the way, that is brilliant.’