Manchester United are mulling over whether to let Zidane Iqbal leave on loan in the January transfer window.
Iqbal, 19, made his debut against Young Boys in the Champions League group stage last December and impressed on the pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia but has failed to make an appearance all season.
Because the Iraq international has only trained with the first team, that has prevented him from appearing for the United Under-21s more often.
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Iqbal started in the EFL Trophy games against League Two teams Carlisle and Barrow and was due to start against Fleetwood Town, but it is understood he was withdrawn from the squad as he was needed as cover for the first team's fixture against Tottenham the following evening. Iqbal failed to make the bench for the win over Spurs because Christian Eriksen had recovered from illness.
There is some concern Iqbal has only played in five of the U21s' 16 games and he may not figure in the round-of-16 EFL Trophy tie against Bolton Wanderers later this month due to first team commitments.
United are believed to be reluctant to let Iqbal leave on loan as they lack depth in a midfield that is devoid of a youthful presence. Eriksen and Casemiro both turn 31 in February and Fred celebrates his 30th birthday in March.
Staff at United believe it is beneficial for Iqbal to train with the first team for the rest of the season and then potentially embark on a season-long loan in the summer.
Iqbal was an unused substitute in all six of United's Europa League group games and he was also on the bench for the Premier League games against Newcastle, Chelsea and Fulham.
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