This is a statement that surprised more than one observer: a certain Zidane attacked Erik Ten Hag head on, bitterly regretting his treatment within Manchester United. At first glance, one would have thought that Zinedine Zidane, the French legend, had just settled his accounts with the Dutch coach. But the story is quite different, and it concerns a young talent too long ignored by the Red Devils.
This zidane is called Iqbal. Trained in Manchester United since childhood, the 22 -year -old Iraqi international had aroused great enthusiasm during the 2022 Asian tour, where his technical qualities had seduced. However, after this highlight, nothing. Neither minutes of play, nor real integration into the first team. In an interview with The Nationalthe attacking midfielder recounts his isolation:
“I was just a number. I just wanted 10 minutes to prove that I could flow or swim. ”
Did Ten Hag have spoiled a talent named Zidane?
Erik Ten Hag, already criticized for his management of certain executives, is directly targeted by the player's words. According to Iqbal, the coach promised him patience, before keeping him away, even at the end of the season.
“He prevented me from participating in a tournament, under the pretext of injuries in the workforce. I hoped until the end an opportunity … which never came ”, he regrets.
A zidane unzips ten hag: the unexpected story
Released from this frustration, Zidane Iqbal successfully rebounded at FC Utrecht, in the Netherlands. The club established it 21 times last season, and the Iraqi was finally able to express its potential. A saving air change, inspired by the trajectories of Pogba or Sancho, also left abroad to exist.
Beyond its own case, Iqbal highlights a sometimes unfair system, where the image counts more than merit. His testimony, frank and poignant, asks an essential question: how many Zidane ignored still sleep on the benches of the big clubs?
