Zidane Iqbal has admitted that it "didn't make sense" for him to leave Manchester United on loan this summer after completing a permanent move to FC Utrecht.
The academy graduate, who joined United at the age of just nine-years-old, finalised a move to the Dutch outfit on Monday, putting pen to paper on a four-year deal.
It is understood that he has joined the club for a fee of €1million. Despite the low-cost fee, United have inserted a 40 per cent sell-on clause in the deal, meaning the prospect of the Iraqi international moving onto bigger and better things in the future will provide the Reds with a cash injection.
Many expected Iqbal to leave the club on loan this summer after a frustrating 2022/23 campaign. However, the midfielder, who was not rewarded by Erik ten Hag at any point during the most recent campaign after impressing in pre-season last summer, wanted to join Utrecht on a permanent deal, insisting that a permanent move elsewhere will give him the chance to develop in a settled and sustainable environment. READ MORE: Where United stand on possible midfield signings Iqbal, speaking to Utrecht's club website, said: "It didn't make sense to come on a loan, [whereas] permanently I can grow as a player, have different experiences and play for a good team and just settle in. "One year during a loan, I might not have a good season, but with a four-year contract I give myself time and settle in and get going." Ten Hag is no stranger to Utrecht, both playing and managing the club.