Zidane Iqbal completes his transfer from Manchester United to Dutch side FC Utrecht
Zidane Iqbal completes his transfer from Manchester United to Dutch side FC Utrecht; Iqbal, 20, spent more than a decade at Man Utd and featured on the bench seven times in the Premier League last term; Iqbal is the first British South Asian to play for Man Utd
Academy graduate Iqbal, 20, has joined the Dutch outfit after they reached agreement with Man Utd over the transfer last week.
Iqbal made history in December 2021 when he appeared in the Champions League clash with Young Boys to become the first British South Asian to play for Manchester United. He is also thought to be the first Iraqi-heritage player to turn out for United.
The Mancunian appeared on United's Premier League bench on seven occasions last season after impressing during their pre-season tour as well as on their trip to Dubai during the mid-season break.
Iqbal, whose mother is Iraqi and father is Pakistani, spent more than a decade at United, starting out at one of the club's development squads before playing in every age-group and going on to represent the first team in the Champions League.
Iqbal: I will always love Manchester United
"Manchester United has been my home since I was five years old. Alongside my family, this club has developed me into the person that I am today.
"From the Cliff to Carrington and then to the Theatre Of Dreams (Old Trafford), I have so many incredible memories of my 15 years associated with this amazing club.
"I have had the opportunity to play with so many team-mates, that I will now always call friends, and worked with coaches who always supported me in so many different ways.
"There are too many people to thank. Kitmen, physios, teachers, chefs, nutritionists, security staff, coaches and everyone else in between, they've all played their role in making me the player that I am today. They know who they are and know how much they mean to me and my family. We'll be forever grateful.
"The Academy is a special place that makes dreams come true for so many. That was certainly the case for me. I'll never forget standing on the touchline at Theatre Of Dreams (OT), waiting to come on for my debut. That feeling of pride will live with me forever.
"Representing Manchester United in Europe is one of the biggest honours you can have in your career. People don't realise the amount of work and dedication that goes into achieving a debut and living out your dream.
"The time is right to go and take on a new challenge. It is one that I cannot wait for and I'll be applying myself with the same level of desire, determination and dedication that has taken me this far in my career."
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