It felt like a huge season for Zidane Iqbal, but in reality it has transpired to be one of frustration.
The 19-year-old made headlines when he impressed in pre-season last summer, but has not made a competitive appearance since his United debut against Young Boys in the Champions League group stage in December 2021.
Iqbal has not managed a single second of first-team football all season but has been an unused sub in 14 senior matchday squads under Erik ten Hag.
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His frustrations have been exacerbated by the rapid rise of fellow academy youngster Kobbie Mainoo, who has surpassed him in the pecking order and appears to be a better fit for the first team than his teammate.
It is even harder to take at a time when United have been experiencing an obvious midfield shortage, yet have appeared reluctant to give any of their young talents a proper chance to fix it.
Of course, that is easier said than done. The pressure and expectations have been so high this season that Ten Hag has been reluctant to rotate his squad with senior players, never mind adding youngsters into the mix.
While there is a train of thought that some academy hopefuls could prosper in such an environment, the harsh reality is that many could suffer from being thrown into the squad when they would be better suited to gradual involvement.
His frustration also stems from United's reluctance to send him out on loan, instead keeping him around for their own needs, just in case he is needed. Yet, even when the midfield department has been so light, he has still been overlooked.
Iqbal was eager to leave on loan in the January transfer window, but despite plenty of interest, he was kept at the club, with the message that he is still part of Ten Hag's squad for the rest of the season.
Having seen the success of so many academy graduates on loan this season, it makes a lot of sense for Iqbal to be the next young hopeful who heads out to gain senior experience this summer.
On a number of occasions this season, Iqbal has been withdrawn from the United Under-21 side the night before first-team matches, only for him not to make the matchday squad.
There is a belief that he could be given some first-team minutes in the final weeks of the season if United have sewn up a Champions League spot, though even those opportunities would likely be limited, and would effectively be in dead-rubber matches.
It is easy to forget just how exciting Iqbal has been in a United shirt, but the international break has given him an opportunity to send a timely reminder of those talents.
The teenager was the standout performer for Iraq in their 2-0 defeat to Russia on Thursday night, catching the eye despite his side's defeat.
Despite being utilised in a deeper No.6 role at United, the youngster impressed as a No.10 for his national side, hinting at his suitability as both an understudy to Bruno Fernandes and Christian Eriksen.
Iqbal was successful in all four dribbles he attempted and was the main attacking outlet for his side with 44 touches of the ball in total, as well as two key passes.
Aside from his decent stats, he also passed the visual test, catching the eye with his poise and creativity in possession, two qualities highly regarded by Ten Hag.
It only added further to his enigma at United, given that his obvious talent has been overlooked at a time in which it seems so well-suited to what they have needed.
At such a young age, it is certain that his time will come, but it is understandable why he will be feeling frustrated about having to wait even longer.
With a desire to sign another creative midfielder this summer, Iqbal has sent a timely reminder of what United have already got to work with.
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