• Premier League

Zaha: I am staying at United

ESPN staff
July 13, 2013
Wilfried Zaha impressed on his debut for Manchester United © Getty Images
Enlarge

Manchester United forward Wilfried Zaha says he intends to stay at Old Trafford this season, with Red Devils' boss David Moyes confirming that the player will be part of the first-team picture.

Zaha impressed on his United debut in a pre-season friendly against Singha All-Stars, though Moyes' men lost 1-0 in the Scot's first game in charge.

The 20-year-old was signed from Crystal Palace in January and then loaned back to the London club, helping them win promotion to the Premier League.

It had been suggested that Zaha might return to the Eagles to gain more top-flight experience this season, while West Ham had also been linked with a short-term move.

However, the England international insists he is ready to step up and prove he deserves to be challenging for a place in United's starting XI.

"I've grafted to get here so Manchester United is where I want to stay," Zaha told the club's official website. "I have moved away from most of my family and friends but it's progress.

"Everyone understands that. I wanted to make the move here because it's what is best for my career."

Zaha caught the eye on his United bow and Moyes sees no reason why the attacker should be sent out on loan.

"Wilfried did well,'' Moyes said. "He gave us a little bit of something different. We have brought him here to give him a chance. It is the first time I have worked with him and had a chance to see him up close.

"He will certainly be part of the squad and we will see where we can fit him in as often as we can.''

Teenage midfielder Adnan Januzaj also enjoyed a memorable outing, starring in the first half for United.

The Belgian was handed a squad number and a place on the bench for Sir Alex Ferguson's last game against West Brom on the final day of last season and Moyes was impressed with the way he took his first-team chance.

"He was a plus for us,'' Moyes said. "He played well. It is always good when you give a young player a chance and he shows up. He did that tonight. The more he plays like that the more opportunities he is likely to get.''

United went down 1-0 in Thailand to Teeratep Winothai's 50th-minute effort but Moyes was not concerned about losing his first game, saying: "It wasn't a brilliant result but this wasn't one we desperately needed to win. It is one we need to get prepared to win games from.''

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices