Iraqi international Zidane Iqbal has revealed the real reason behind his decision to leave Manchester United, pointing to a lack of respect from manager Erik ten Hag.

Iqbal made just one senior appearance for the Red Devils, coming in a Champions League match in 2021. Speaking in an interview with The National, the midfielder opened up on a moment that changed everything for him.

“I was supposed to start a cup game against Charlton. I was in all the shapes and patterns in pre-match training. I was starting as a 10, and Lisandro Martínez came up to me and said: ‘Now’s your chance.’ He talked to me and said, ‘All of us are supporting you. Just show yourself. You’re a good player. We’re going to fight for you—make sure you’re ready to fight,’” Iqbal recalled.

“It motivated me. It was nice from him—an aggressive leader in the team, a big player. I got tickets for family and friends to see me. Finally, my chance.

“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.”

Now at Dutch side FC Utrecht, Iqbal played 18 Eredivisie matches last season, helping the club secure a place in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League.