Erik ten Hag is taking the right approach with Manchester United academy

Zidane Iqbal's transfer to FC Utrecht continues a trend at Manchester United under Erik ten Hag, as the fourth academy graduate to be sold since the Dutchman took over last summer.

Ten Hag was happy to trust in youth at Ajax and he's already shown at Old Trafford that remains the case, but he can also be ruthless if he decides players aren't up to it.

Iqbal's departure for just €1million has caught some people by surprise, in the same way that the decision to sell James Garner to Everton for £15million last summer was unexpected. But Ten Hag took a look at Garner last pre-season, decided he wasn't going to be close to his team and decided it was the perfect time to cash in after the midfielder's excellent campaign on loan at Nottingham Forest.

It was Iqbal who caught the eye last pre-season, but the 20-year-old hasn't got past the substitutes bench this season. Ten Hag saw enough of him in training to decide he wasn't going to make the grade at Old Trafford just yet.

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United felt he wasn't physically ready for the Premier League and that he would be better suited to the Eredivisie. They also feel it's a 'no lose' deal. If Iqbal doesn't kick on they have received a fee at the right time, but they also have a 40% sell-on clause should he be sold for a profit by FC Utrecht and a buyback option that could see him return to Old Trafford. It's a sign that United are beginning to maximise their academy on and off the pitch.

The departures follow that of Tahith Chong to Birmingham City last summer for around £1.5million and Andreas Pereira to Fulham for £10million. Periera joined United at 15 so barely qualifies as an academy player, but he was a young player Ten Hag was happy