Cast into the cold under David Moyes owing in part to some sub-par performances, midfielder Wilfried Zaha senses an opportunity at Manchester United under coach extraordinaire Louis van Gaal.
Zaha was signed for £15million from Crystal Palace by Sir Alex Ferguson in January 2013 with the agreement he would return to Old Trafford that summer as a full-time United player, before racking up some impressive statistics to round off the season as the south Londoners booked a top-flight berth.
|
Player |
Appearances (Starts) |
Assists |
Goals |
|
Valencia |
29 |
6 |
1 |
|
Young |
18 |
0 |
0 |
|
Nani |
6 |
0 |
1 |
|
Zaha |
49 |
10 |
8 |
Midway through David Moyes’ reign and Zaha had lost all confidence after playing just three times, until a loan spell at Cardiff from January until the end of the season did wonders for his confidence, despite the fact the Welsh side were relegated.
“I definitely feel like this is a clean slate,” Zaha told the United website.
“All I’m trying to do is impress the new manager and get into his squad. All I can do is give my all. There’s a new manager and I want to make sure I show him what I can do.
“Going to Cardiff was a really good experience for me. I managed to get quite a few games under my belt at Premier League level, which was good, and I feel like I’ve come back a better player.”
Zaha made 13 appearances for Cardiff and is clearly a new man as he tours the United States with some of the world’s best players ahead of a new chapter for United under Van Gaal, renowned for his work with young players.
“It’s great to be back,” said the 21-year-old.
“There’s a nice vibe, everybody’s working hard and we’re looking forward to the new season.
“I’ve realised there are things about my game I need to work on and concentrate on and I know this is the best place to be if I want to improve. I really want to make myself a better player.”
Main image courtesy of Rio Ferdinand Presents #5 Magazine via YouTube, with thanks.
