Man United manager, Erik ten Hag, was happy with the way both Zidane Iqbal and Charlie Savage performed during pre-season tour.
Erik ten Hag’s made a bright start to life in Manchester. Suddenly, this underperforming squad look like they’re more than up for the fight.
Thirty-one bodies jetted off on pre-season tour. Two left me feeling more pleased than most; Zidane Iqbal and Charlie Savage.
Why? It was unexpected.
The academy have grown up together, coming through the academy and performing alongside each other at every age group.
Now, according to The Times, it’s written that Ten Hag was ‘impressed’ with how the young duo took their chances during pre-season tour.
Apparently, Ten Hag and Darren Fletcher will sit down with both Iqbal and Savage, to work out what’s next for the midfielders. That conversation will contain information about when and where they will head on loan for the 2022/23 season.
A loan move always felt like the likely option, given they’re somewhat down the midfield pecking order at this young stage of their respective careers.
It is thought that after their top displays in the friendly games, will mean Iqbal and Savage will likely be sent to a better level of club if loans become the best option. Now, a Championship move feels more likely than it did before their performances on tour.
I guess it’s so easy to forget that these guys are still just teenagers who are learning and perfecting their craft. Although they have played with a maturity beyond their years, there is still so much development to go before they’re anything close to the finished product.
Loan moves in the Championship would absolutely help their development, but it all depends on ensuring they move to a place where first-team minutes are practically guaranteed. Alvaro Fernandez has just followed that path. In an ideal world, both will end up at the same club, though I understand that’s highly unlikely.
Do you think Savage & Iqbal have a decent chance at earning first-team football this season? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below.
