Crystal Palace manager Ian Holloway has admitted defeat in signing Manchester United youngster Wilfried Zaha on loan in January.
The 20-year-old was Sir Alex Ferguson’s last signing at Old Trafford after the Premier League champions accepted a deal with Palace in January this year. United loaned Zaha back to the Eagles for the second half of the last season before the player returned to Old Trafford this summer.
David Moyes replaced United’s legendary manager after the Old Trafford elder stepped down from his post at the end of last season. The former Everton boss has not favoured Zaha in his debut season for the Red Devils as the England U21 international is yet to make an appearance for the first team.
The Express reports, apart from Palace, Fulham, Newcastle United and West Ham United are all keen on signing Zaha on loan in January. However, Holloway claims United are unlikely to send back the Eagles former player on a short spell next year.
“David Moyes has his own issues at Manchester United, so if we were to go shouting about wanting him back on loan, I don’t think we will ever get him back,” the Express quoted Holloway as saying.
“Besides, we have options [on the wings] – Jason Puncheon can play either side and in the pocket as well as in central midfield. Yannick Bolasie is coming back and will do well.”
“It is all about having a squad that is strong enough to make changes and sustain good performances. At the moment, we are not beating people. [Jimmy] Kebe might have the chance to do that. And we know Jerome Thomas can,” he added.
Meanwhile, United manager insists Zaha is still far away from being a complete product to feature in the English champions’ first team. However, Moyes claims the winger featuring in training with the club’s senior players will benefit the youngster in making progress at Old Trafford.
“Wilf has not appeared. We have not felt we have had the opportunity. I want Wilf to get used to what happens here. The competition is hard. It is just impossible to get all these players a game at the one time. You can only ever play 11,” Moyes said.
“It is important Wilf gets to see the level of the training here, the level of the players and the quality they have got. He is getting better which we are pleased about,” United manager concluded.”
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