The report says Jim Goodwin wants another No 6 after Vicko Sevelj’s exit to Neftchi, and Iqbal has emerged as a target for that role. That is a logical fit. When a specialist holding midfielder leaves late in a window, the replacement search usually narrows to players who can step in quickly and cover ground in possession and out of it.
Iqbal’s background also explains the interest. He came through Manchester United’s academy before moving to Utrecht, and he already has senior international exposure with Iraq. Other reports suggest Blackburn Rovers had also targeted him, but could not complete a deal before the English window closed. That matters because it signals a live market for the player rather than a speculative link.
United’s preference for a permanent move is the most important part of this story. Sevelj’s departure has created a structural gap in midfield. A loan can patch that for a season; a permanent deal gives Goodwin a longer runway to rebuild the centre of the pitch.
Iqbal would also arrive with a profile that fits modern midfield demands: developed in a possession-heavy academy system and experienced in senior football abroad. For a team replacing a No 6, that technical base is often as important as raw physicality.
This now looks like a deadline-driven negotiation. United are reportedly assessing whether terms can be finalised before the Scottish window shuts. If a permanent agreement proves too difficult in time, the question will be whether they compromise on structure or move on. For now, the interest appears genuine, but the deal remains unresolved.