Why Manchester United's Zidane Iqbal transfer decision might be about to be justified

Erik ten Hag's ruthless edge was evident again last month when he sanctioned the sale of Zidane Iqbal to FC Utrecht.

News of Iqbal's departure came almost from nowhere, with sources telling the Manchester Evening News a fortnight ago that a fee, believed to be around €1million, had been accepted. He completed his medical in the following days and that was that.

The 20-year-old impressed during pre-season last summer and was kept on while others left on loan, but a failure to break into Ten Hag's plans - he was named on the bench 17 times but did not make a single first-team appearance - did little to aid his development.

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United's decision to sell Iqbal this summer was well-reasoned. In the modern game, 20 is no longer young, and the midfielder had not progressed to the point that Ten Hag could see a future with him in the picture.

What seemingly frustrated supporters was the fee, with €1million barely enough to pay the club's top earners for a few weeks. Despite his lack of first-team minutes, Iqbal was - and is - a hugely promising talent with massive potential. Utrecht must have been counting their blessings.

More important than the bottom line, however, is the insertion of a 40 per cent sell-on clause in the deal which sources cite when describing the sale as a 'no-lose situation'. There is also a buyback clause that would give United first refusal on a re-signing.

The Dutch league has often provided an ideal environment for young talent to develop. A technically and tactically advanced division, but