The 15 academy exits from Manchester United highlight Erik ten Hag's ruthless approach

Manchester United fans were surprised to see Zidane Iqbal join FC Utrecht on a permanent deal earlier in the summer window.

Iqbal became a trailblazer for British Asians when making his first-team debut in the Champions League in December 2021 and he was well-regarded in the academy, so his departure for just €1million seemed like value for Utrecht.

"The time is right to go and take a new challenge," Iqbal said upon his sale. "It's 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."

ALSO READ: United sell Marc Jurado three years after Barcelona move

Some questioned why Iqbal was allowed to leave for such a nominal fee, but the player had signed with an agency that promised him a move to the Eredivisie in the spring and he wanted regular starts at this stage of his career.

The move was logical for everyone involved because although Iqbal was named in the matchday squad 17 times last season, he didn't make a single appearance under Erik ten Hag and Kobbie Mainoo was considered ahead of him.

Iqbal is two years older than Mainoo, yet it was the Stockport-born lad who had been given meaningful opportunities, which was a clear indication that he needed to leave his boyhood club for the next chapter of his development.

There have long been high hopes for Mainoo in the academy and his performances in pre-season vindicated the trust in him. The youngster was told ahead of the USA tour he'd be part of the first-team and his potential is obvious.

Ten Hag has made it clear only the best youth prospects will stay at the club and Mainoo is considered the leading light of his age group, but he's had to watch this summer as his