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United's Zaha re-joins Palace on loan

ESPN staff
August 28, 2014
Neil Warnock returns to Crystal Palace

Wilfried Zaha has re-joined Crystal Palace on a season-long loan after failing to impress Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal.

The winger played just four times for United last season and joined Cardiff on loan as they were relegated.

Palace said in a statement on their official website: "Crystal Palace are delighted to confirm that winger Wilfried Zaha has re-joined the club on loan from Manchester United.

"The two-cap England international has agreed a deal that will see him spend the entire 2014-15 season at Selhurst Park.''

Warnock, who was re-appointed at Selhurst Park on Wednesday, worked with Zaha during his first spell in charge of Palace and contacted the 21-year-old on Wednesday evening about a move.

Wilfried Zaha is yet to start a league game for Manchester United following his £15m move © Getty Images
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"I did speak to him," Warnock had told talkSPORT. "I had half an hour last night telling him why I want him to come back."

Zaha began his career at Palace before agreeing a £15 million move to United in January 2013, though he was loaned back to Palace for the rest of that season and helped them win promotion to the Premier League.

Sir Alex Ferguson's final signing at Old Trafford struggled to make an impact under his successor, David Moyes, starting just two games before being loaned to Cardiff.

Zaha was generally used as a replacement by Van Gaal in pre-season but did not make the bench for their first two Premier League matches of the season and was an unused substitute in Tuesday's 4-0 thrashing by MK Dons in the League Cup.

"When you get the chance, you can't turn down Manchester United but there are so many big players there and sometimes you get a bit lost," Warnock had said.

"He is still developing, Wilfried, and he has got so much talent. When you are a wide player, or a forward, you need to feel loved.

"I've heard it said about his attitude, but I've always thought his attitude has been spot on, so I'm looking forward to working with him."

Zaha was reportedly a target for Palace co-chairman Steve Parish before former manager Tony Pulis left Selhurst Park.

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