Erik ten Hag was described as a strict disciplinarian when he arrived at Manchester United, which led to a tumultuous reign at Old Trafford. The Dutch coach butted heads with several players, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho, who were effectively banished from the club.
The 55-year-old was sacked last November amid a poor start to his third season in charge. He managed to end the club's six-year trophy drought and deliver two trophies. But there were constant rumours of dressing room turmoil, with players unable to form a close bond with their manager.
Raphael Varane, a World Cup winner with France in 2018, opened up on this after leaving United last year by explaining that his relationship with Ten Hag was "not good". He isn't the only one who found their time with the Dutchman challenging; even youth players endured problems leading to their exits.
Zidane Iqbal: How Ten Hag 'Disrespect' Led To Man Utd Exit
The Iranian was "gutted"
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Zidane Iqbal was viewed as one of United's promising talents back in 2023, shining at youth level, and many envisioned the Iranian midfielder would be a success. He caught the eye with three goals and one assist in 35 games for the U21s, knocking on Ten Hag's first-team door.
The Red Devils came up against Charlton Athletic in the Carabao Cup in January 2023 and Iqbal thought the time had come for him to make a name for himself at senior level. He claimed in an interview with The National that he was set to start against the Addicks after being used as a number ten "in all the shapes and patterns in pre-match training".
Lisandro Martinez handed Iqbal advice that further geared him up for what he expected to be his first start for the club. The Argentine told him, "Now's your chance", and it was time for him to show himself: "You're a good player. We're going to fight for you, make sure you're ready to fight."
Iqbal's dreams of making his full debut were denied:
"Then I got to the stadium, looked at the whiteboard and didn’t see my name. I was gutted. Then I thought I’d come off the bench. Nothing. That was the turning point for me. I didn’t feel the manager respected me enough to play me."
Iqbal's only senior outing for United was a one-minute cameo appearance in a 1-1 draw with Swiss side Young Boys in the Champions League in December 2021. That came under former caretaker manager Ralf Rangnick, and before Ten Hag arrived.
The 17-cap Iran international felt the writing was on the wall, especially when his boss advised him to skip the Under-19 World Cup because of an injury crisis at Old Trafford, which may have given him an opportunity. That wasn't the case, though, and he informed his agent that he wanted to move and try to find success, as Jadon Sancho did at Borussia Dortmund and Paul Pogba at Juventus.
Iqbal's Post-United Exploits
The Iranian has been in the Eredivisie
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Iqbal pushed to leave United and was granted his wish in June 2023 when he moved to Eredivisie outfit FC Utrecht in a £850,000 deal, which included a buyback clause among several clauses. He signed a four-year deal at the Stadion Galgenwaard and has since been a regular for the Dutch team.
The 22-year-old featured 21 times across competitions last season, netting his only goal of the campaign in a 3-1 win over Almere City in December. He played an important role in Ron Jans' side push for European qualification, helping them finish fourth, meaning he'll be playing Europa League football next season.
Iqbal had already become a member of Iran's national team while at United, making his senior debut aged 18 in January 2022. His first international goal came in a 5-0 win over the Philippines in a World Cup qualifier in March 2022.
Zidane Iqbal's Career
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The versatile midfielder wasn't the only youngster to depart during Ten Hag's reign, finding opportunities hard to come by.
Alvaro Carreras left on loan before making a permanent exit after feeling as though the Dutchman "didn't count on him", despite injuries to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia. Fabrizio Romano reports that the Spanish left-back, 22, is set to join Real Madrid from Benfica after the Club World Cup.
All statistics courtesy ofTransfermarkt- correct as of 09.07.2025
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