Wilfried Zaha signs for Manchester United from Crystal Palace
Manchester United have signed the in demand Wilfried Zaha from Crystal Palace for a fee thought to be in the region of £15m with at least £5m being made up by clauses and add-ons, subject to a medical. He will spend the remainder of the 2012/13 season on loan at Palace, but will join United in the summer.
Zaha, a product of Crystal Palace’s famed academy has already notched up over 100 senior club appearances and has a full England cap to his name, despite only turning 20 two months ago. He’s described as a tricky and pacey winger who can come centrally too. The word ‘raw’ will almost certainly be associated with some time as there are plenty of rough edges that need polishing but Palace fans seem sure that there is a good player who’ll emerge.
Wingers are notoriously inconsistent – they play in a role that gives them freedom to try new things and express themselves. United fans should remember that despite early frustrations with both Ronaldo and Nani, they, to differing degrees came good for the club. Zaha, already quite a good size for a winger will no doubt draw comparisons at times with both even if that puts an unfair burden on his shoulders.
Many will surely question the acquisition of a winger over certain other areas of the squad, notably the middle, but it’s easy to make a case for one being needed. Although this deal will only see Zaha play for United from the summer on, Valencia’s entire season has been close to a nightmare; Nani has been linked with moves away; and Young, like Nani, has had his fair share of injuries. With Giggs still predominantly used centrally rather than wide, it is the only area of the squad we don’t have two players per position for. When you look in the U21s too, there is no one there even close to breaking through out wide – in fact van Velzen is the only winger at that level for United, so another winger is needed. With a bit of luck, getting a winger signed up now can pave the way for a central midfielder to be our main summer addition.
United fans should take heart from the club’s policy when it comes to young players. We’re a club committed to signing youth to develop and as importantly, English youth. If we can’t produce our own, second best has often been to ensure that they are still homegrown by country – something that fans no doubt appreciate.
As with any young player, particularly one making a big step up, he will make errors along the way so some patience and support from the fans will no doubt be required when the press do their ‘writing off’ job, a bit like de Gea at the moment. Still, another young and talented player to join the squad is something to look forward to next season.
Welcome Zaha to Old Trafford the theater of dreams… You shall surely find a place in United.
You have not answered the big question: can he use his left foot ?
I agree with the author here. Acquisation of winger rather world class winger we crave for long time might not go well for some of devil fans. I too, at fault for critisizing SAF transfer policy back then. But hey, this is what football all about. Apart from enjoying what’s up on the pitch, we did enjoy speculating on tactical, transfer and players. That what makes football such a pleasure thing! Sometimes it can makes our blood pressure shooting the roofs and painful experience.
Ohh.. This Zaha kiddo, it could be another transfer masterstroke from the old gaffer. Analyzing our wide player for this season, it leaves a lot to be desired. Nani, which I believe the most exciting wide player in our rank has been in and out frequently. I did felt out was the best fact on Nani.
Young has been better for us than a season before. He seem has forge a good understanding with our front attack. Most notably, his partnership with Evra on the left flank is a joy to behold. The willingness of Young to track back ease the oldie Evra who seems out of pace and may well pass his best.
Valencia? I better leave it here on this no 7. Lately, he has been trying to knock ball pass his opponent too often. Well, he’s trying it too much and turn out no good for us. Sometimes, I pictured him as more resemble Nani-showbooting-like attitude with no end product at all. At least Nani has been good at it although inconsistent. Please we all want the old Valencia back!
Giggs may well pass his best years. No offends, but rather he is more to useful player rather being our best XI for nearly 20 years odd. Nowadays, he may well benefited from running down the pitch sparringly rather every match. As for the rest of player who have been on wide area – eg Welbeck, Cleverly, Kagawa and Rooney- they’re doing well with varying degree of performance and results. Nonetheless, this exhibit our squad in depth and willingness of player to play for the team rather personal glory.
Therefore, acquisation of winger in the mould of Zaha calibre may well justified our need for the wide player. I agree with author that buying winger within this winter transfer window may do good for MUFC coming summer. SAF may give fully of his attention and skills in bringing one or two ‘world class’ player especially midfielder. But I rather seeing Anderson given chances because he is talented footballer for me. Well, some of you may argue for Anderson but how many times Anderson had came out good. Remember City during community shield last year? Or being a monster and bullish during 8-2 win over Arsenal? He will come good with time.
Welcome to Old Trafford Zaha. Be humble, be hardworking and stay focus on pitch rather off pitch gossip. Stay out bar and partying too much, play your football with your heart and soul, then you will be on top of the your game. Come the day you’ll call off for your football, you will say proudly I enjoy playing for if not biggest, among best club in the world. Hopefully…
**correction: acquisition
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