Manchester United have a decision to make pre-season breakout star Zidane Iqbal this summer

When Zidane Iqbal headed back to the dressing room following the conclusion of Manchester United's 1-1 draw with Rayo Vallecano at Old Trafford in their final pre-season friendly last July, he probably didn't think that would be his last first-team appearance.

However, despite producing a handful of promising performances during the pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia, he has not earned a single minute of first-team football this season. The Iraq international has not made a competitive appearance for United since in the 1-1 draw with BSC Young Boys in the Champions League in December 2021, which marked his debut.

Considering he looked so sharp and bright during pre-season, Iqbal is bound to have been left feeling frustrated with the lack of opportunities given to him by Erik ten Hag. He has been on the substitutes' bench on 17 occasions this term but has not once been called upon by the Dutchman.

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United went into this season with the centre of midfield being their most problematic area, and knew they had to transform that position, something they have, of course, achieved through the signings of Christian Eriksen and Casemiro. Marcel Sabitzer has also impressed since his January arrival from Bayern Munich.

Iqbal, however, was never likely to be considered as a regular starter this season, such is his current level of inexperience at the age of just 19 years old. Nevertheless, after being one of United's breakout stars in pre-season, leaving supporters purring at his potential, he would have hoped for a few minutes here and there, particularly in cup competitions.

Once you have worked your way through United's list of senior midfield