Zidane Iqbal has admitted that it "didn't make sense" for him to leave Manchester United on loan this summer after completing a permanent move to FC Utrecht.
The academy graduate, who joined United at the age of just nine-years-old, finalised a move to the Dutch outfit on Monday, putting pen to paper on a four-year deal. It is understood that he has joined the club for a fee of €1million.
Despite the low-cost fee, United have inserted a 40 per cent sell-on clause in the deal, meaning the prospect of the Iraqi international moving onto bigger and better things in the future will provide the Reds with a cash injection. Many expected Iqbal to leave the club on loan this summer after a frustrating 2022/23 campaign.
However, the midfielder, who was not rewarded by Erik ten Hag at any point during the most recent campaign after impressing in pre-season last summer, wanted to join Utrecht on a permanent deal, insisting that a permanent move elsewhere will give him the chance to develop in a settled and sustainable environment.
READ MORE: Where United stand on possible midfield signings
Iqbal, speaking to Utrecht's club website, said: "It didn't make sense to come on a loan, [whereas] permanently I can grow as a player, have different experiences and play for a good team and just settle in.
"One year during a loan, I might not have a good season, but with a four-year contract I give myself time and settle in and get going."
Ten Hag is no stranger to Utrecht, both playing and managing the club. He spent a season a season on the club's books as a player in the 1990s before becoming manager in 2015, spending two years at the helm before moving to Ajax.
Iqbal has now revealed that he was poised to join Utrecht on loan back in January and Ten Hag waxed lyrical about how good a club it is.
"In January, I was maybe going to come here on a loan," Iqbal continued. "Erik ten Hag told me that he was once the manager at this club and it was such a great club and that it is a beautiful city.
"I don't know why it didn't go through in January, but whatever is meant to be, will be. He didn't introduce me but he explained the club to me and told me a bit more about it. Now I understand it a lot more."
Asked if it was hard to be convinced to make the move to the Eredivisie outfit, the former United ace added: "No. I could see myself in the team, I can see myself wearing this shirt and playing in front of the fans. I cannot wait to get going."
