United We Stand
One thing that new Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick has made clear since his arrival at Old Trafford is that he is comfortable playing the youngsters.
Academy products Anthony Elanga, Shola Shoretire, Amad Diallo, Teden Mengi, Charlie Savage and Zidane Iqbal have all featured since the German took over, with the latter two of the list making headlines after being handed their debuts in the Champions League game with Young Boys.
United’s own young boys – Savage and Iqbal are both 18 – generated media interest for different reasons. Savage is the son of former Wales midfielder Robbie Savage, who was in the Manchester United youth team but never made a first-team appearance before forging a career elsewhere in the English Premier League.
Iqbal, who was born and raised in Manchester not far from Old Trafford, made history as United’ first-ever first-teamer of South Asian heritage.
United’s No.73 who is of Pakistani and Iraqi heritage also became the club’s first Iraqi footballer.
“It feels amazing, I’ve been working my whole life for this opportunity, it’s a dream come true, it’s just the start and hopefully I can keep pushing on,” he told club television channel MUTV after the Young Boys game.
Iqbal was as elated when he reflected on his history making debut on Twitter the next day.
“Unbelievable feeling to make my professional debut at Old Trafford. I have grown up supporting this club and to represent Manchester United in the Champions League is an incredible honor. This would not have been possible without the support of my family, friends and coaches,” he wrote.
Manchester United’s Zidane Iqbal (center) scores their first goal against Sunderland on October 13, 2021 in Sunderland, England. Photo: IC
His father – just like Robbie Savage, who was part of the broadcast team for the game – was also emotional.
“Words really cannot describe how I am feeling!” Aamar Iqbal wrote on Twitter. “A very proud moment for the family. Well done Zidane hard work always pays. And in the end I get rewarded with my son’s match worn shirt!”
The young midfielder has been at United for a decade, most recently establishing himself in the under-23 side despite his age. Iqbal signed a professional contract back in April, becoming United’s first player of South Asian descent, before making that historic debut.
“The journey is different for everyone, and I can tell you it’s not easy,” Iqbal told Manchester United’s official website earlier in the year. “It’s like a roller coaster, up and down. You just have to enjoy the ride and whatever’s meant to be is meant to be.”
It was little wonder that Iqbal’s debut was lauded by the community, with the England national team’s Asian fan group Apna England telling Sky Sports News of their pride at Iqbal’s feat.
“This is obviously a proud moment for everyone associated with Manchester United Football Club, but it is also absolutely monumental for South Asians in the game,” they said.
“Zidane Iqbal is an exceptional talent, whose commitment, work ethic and dedication to making it at the highest level has been rewarded by one of the biggest clubs in world football.
“With urgent action required to tackle inequalities that persist across football, there is no better way to inspire change than by highlighting those that are blazing a trail in our game.
“Seeing Zidane Iqbal out there making history will no doubt inspire millions across the world.
“It’s a great day for the community – and a great day for football.”
Iqbal’s appearance was the first by a British South Asian in the UEFA Champions League since Michael Chopra played for Newcastle United back in the 2002-03 season. Even within the English top flight, the community is under represented.
Football anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out has been raising awareness on the discrepancy between the British South Asian population and its representation among the ranks of professional footballers. Some 7 percent of the British populace have South Asian heritage but a mere 0.25 percent of pro players come from the community.
There are only four other British South Asians on pro contracts in the English Premier League: Leicester City’s Hamza Choudhury, Aston Villa’s Arjan Raikhy, Tottenham’s Dilan Markanday and Kam Kandola at Wolves.
Choudhury has played 127 times in the top flight but the others are yet to make their debuts.
The lack of representation is something that those in the game are aware of, with England boss Gareth Southgate speaking on it in the summer.
“Sometimes the Asian voice has been lost in the anti-discrimination argument,” Southgate told the England Football YouTube channel.
“And when you look at the percentages of the population that we’re talking about, it’s high numbers. Frankly, it’s a big talent pool that we’re missing within football. We don’t have high numbers of English-qualified players playing anyway, clubs in their academies are always searching for talent.
“It’s like in any business. If you’re only selecting from a smaller section of the population, then what are you missing?
“What I’ve noticed with the England team in recent seasons is that dynamic in terms of the supporters coming up to me has changed a lot, far more Asian people, coming up to me, talking about their pride in the team, talking about the diversity of the team.
“That could only be even more powerful if someone from the Asian community was in the team as well, and we had that greater representation across the board.”
Iqbal qualifies for England but is yet to be capped by any of the age group sides. He has played for Iraq’s under-23s.
The young man with the famous namesake has already made history, in time he might make a name for himself.
“To be honest, when I was younger I didn’t really think anything of it,” Iqbal said of Zinedine Zidane when interviewed by the BBC.
“But, as I got older, I found out there was a great, great player called Zinedine Zidane.”
“It’s good knowing I might be a role model. I’d want to be a good one.”
Perhaps he will get more chances under Rangnick as the fixture congestion mounts.
Manchester United’s Zidane Iqbal (center) and Charlie Savage (right) talk to interim manager Ralf Rangnick before coming on as substitutes on December 8, 2021 in Manchester, England. Photo: IC
