Iqbal transfer confirmed

The 20-year-old is joining the Eredivisie club on a four-year contract, subject to international clearance, and will look for regular first-team football at his new club.

The club is proud of Zidane's journey so far and this presents an opportunity for him to develop his career within a new environment in a competitive league. Everybody would like to wish him the very best of luck for the future.

The Iraq international has already published a heartfelt farewell to United, the club he has called home since joining our pre-Academy programmes, progressing through the ranks to make his senior debut in a Champions League tie against Young Boys in December 2021.

"From The Cliff to Carrington and then to the Theatre Of Dreams (OT), I have so many incredible memories of my 15 years associated with this amazing club," he posted on Instagram recently.

"I have had the opportunity to play with so many team-mates, that I will now always call friends, and worked with coaches who always supported me in so many different ways. There are too many people to thank. Kitmen, physios, teachers, chefs, nutritionists, security staff, coaches and everyone else in between, they’ve all played their role in making me the player that I am today.

"They know who they are and know how much they mean to me and my family. We’ll be forever grateful."

As one of the trailblazers from his Academy age-group, Iqbal will have provided inspiration to many younger members of the club's youth system.

He recognised how unique the place is in another part of his social-media message and pledged to always remain a supporter of the Reds.

"The Academy is a special place that makes dreams come true for so many," he added. "I’ll always be a United fan and I’ll always love this football club."

From playing at the cliff at 5 together, to making our debuts in the champions league at 18. It’s been a pleasure sharing our journey together for the last 14 years. It seems as though everything we went through we did so together!
All the best @z10ane go smash it 🫡❤️ pic.twitter.com/nzjVaoFykr

— Charlie Savage (@charliesavage84) June 22, 2023

Zidane's popularity among his colleagues and team-mates was evidenced by the huge response to his announcement, with one of his pals, Charlie Savage, sending a particularly heart-warming personal message of support.

However, Iqbal appreciates this is the next step for him, after regularly being part of the first-team squad last term, as he looks to fulfil his potential and make his mark in the Netherlands.

"The time is right to go and take on a new challenge," he said. "It is 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."

A huge farewell for @Z10ane ❤️📱#MUFC pic.twitter.com/aieDiGPuCz

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) June 23, 2023

Everybody at United would like to reiterate passing on our sincere best wishes to Zidane and we will be monitoring his progress closely from the start of the season.