The honour of being Sir Alex Ferguson’s final signing as Manchester United manager cannot detract from the fact that Wilfried Zaha must feel frustrated.
Since completing his arranged move to Old Trafford in the summer Zaha has play just one hour of football for the Red Devils. And that was the Community Shield.
It comes as no surprise to read in the Daily Telegraph this morning, then, that former Crystal Palace player Zaha may seek a loan move in the January window.
We look at a trio of potential destinations for the twice capped England international:
Fulham
Zaha would bring some much needed youth, legs and above all energy to Craven Cottage. Martin Jol’s team are only above the relegation zone on goals scored.
Whilst the 30-somethings may be struggling to compete on the pitch, Zaha could learn a great deal from wise old heads like Damien Duff off it.
A loan spell in London could lift both Zaha and Fulham, but whether a flair player is what Jol will look to as he tries to steer the club to safety remains to be seen.
West Ham
Such is the death of forward options at Upton Park that Sam Allardyce re-signed Carlton Cole on a short-term contract this week.
Injuries to Andy Carroll and Stewart Downing have resulted in a blunted Hammers attack. Big Sam has the maverick, emerging talent of Ravel Morrison in midfield, but an explosive wide player like Zaha would ease the burden.
Crucially, it would move Mohamed Diame back into the centre of the park. The Senegal star has many dazzling qualities, but his masquerade on the right flank convinces nobody.
Zaha would also have Allardyce acolyte Ricardo Vaz Te and Matt Jarvis to compete with for a starting berth at West Ham. When everyone is fit, he could be the perfect supply line for the target men.
Newcastle United
Alan Pardew has been quoted as saying there may be too many foreign players on the books at St James’ Park.
Newcastle’s French connection has certainly been hit and miss. Whilst Zaha cannot displace the guile of Hatem Ben Arfa, Loic Remy’s goalscoring exploits may see him get a run as the main striker.
Papiss Cisse, now stuttering after a prolific beginning to his career on Tyneside, could be sacrificed, allowing space for some genuine wingplay.
Like the Magpies’ combative midfield player Cheick Tiote, Zaha originates from the Ivory Coast. The pair could strike up a friendship based on a common birthplace. Here’s hoping that Tiote tackling doesn’t rub off on Zaha though!
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