• Premier League

Ferdinand tips Zaha for the top

ESPN staff
July 28, 2013
Wilfried Zaha has impressed on Manchester United's pre-season tour © Getty Images
Enlarge

Rio Ferdinand believes Wilfried Zaha has the ability and the attitude to become a high-class footballer for Manchester United.

The 20-year-old was Sir Alex Ferguson's final signing and cost the Premier League champions £15 million.

And he has impressed veteran Ferdinand on United's pre-season tour, scoring a late equaliser in Friday's 2-2 draw against Cerezo Osaka.

"Wilfried is a fantastic talent. That is why you pay £15 million for a kid," said Ferdinand. "He is raw, with great individual skills and the early indications are that he is a hard worker.

"He wants to be a top footballer and he wants to improve. With those attributes, that desire and the influences he will have at this club, hopefully we will have a top player on our hands.

"Wilfried can take people on from a standing start. He is quick and direct but what has surprised me more is that he gets his shots off.

"I have not watched him loads but obviously he is a winger who has a hunger to get inside and drive into the opponents' box. That is a good thing to have."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
Close