The next England great, as he was dubbed by fans across the country three years ago, looks set to leave Old Trafford in the hope of regular first team action with Crystal Palace. The winger, 22, whom United purchased him from in January 2013, was immediately loaned straight back to Palace until the end of that season. Wilfried Zaha looks certain to be going back this transfer window. Palace intend to pay £3m for Zaha, who is on a season-long loan back at Selhurst Park, with a further £3m in add-ons which would be paid if the winger meets performance-related targets, reports The Guardian.
Initially it was suggested that Zaha would sign from Crystal Palace to United for a fee of around £15m (£5m in instalments), however given the lack of appearances at United, United would have not paid the additional £5m. At the time fans around the country believed would be an excellent investment, with a soon to be world class winger cementing a position in the first team for presumably the next 10 years. However, this vision failed to materialise and the English winger failed to produce the talent that alerted scouts around the world while he was at Palace. Because of this fall of grace, the fee for Zaha reduced to a down payment of £10m, as the player failed to meet his targets.
Under Moyes, the player found a starting place very difficult to come by, after looking rather promising in the pre-season, he made just four appearances for United in his opening season before being loaned out to Cardiff City. Rumours of attitude problems saw him loaned out to further his progression, which seemingly didn’t work.
Then came Louis Van Gaal who was also able to see him in the pre-season tournament, however he also believed it was best for the player to go out on loan; Zaha returned to Palace, and now it is looking more and more likely that Zaha will be staying their permanently, with both player and manager of Palace (Alan Pardew) both dropping hints that he could stay permanently.
Zaha was quoted, saying: “I have a smile on my face because I am back on the pitch”
Zaha’s move back to Palace clearly not motivated by money, proving that some play for the old fashioned attraction of enjoyment although it is clear he wants more game time. Still young, Zaha has a lot to prove if he wants to succeed, and push for a place in the England squad whether it be now, or the future. He still has a lot of potential, that Sir Alex saw when he bought him as an investment for David Moyes.
