Ian Holloway, who brought the best out of a talented winger during his time at Selhurst Park, believes another chance at Old Trafford is deserved
Wilfried Zaha has still got Cristiano Ronaldo-esque potential in him, says Ian Holloway, with Manchester United told to consider re-signing a Crystal Palace winger who previously flopped at Old Trafford.
Back in 2013, Sir Alex Ferguson put a deal in place to land an exciting youngster for £10 million.
The Scot was to have departed by the time a transfer was completed, as he headed into retirement, and Zaha struggled as part of a Red Devils regression endured under David Moyes .
Loan spells at Cardiff and back at Palace were taken in before completing a permanent return to Selhurst Park.
Zaha has gone on to thrive in familiar surroundings and, at just 26 years of age, is considered to still be approaching his peak.
United have been urged to offer the Ivory Coast international a second chance, with it likely that he would already be an established superstar on their books had Ferguson not walked away.
Ex-Palace boss Holloway told talkSPORT : “I’ve never worked with someone as talented as him.
“It was always about putting those pieces together.
“When you’ve got the amount of skill Wilfried has, it’s about when to do it.
“If they’re going to go to a 4-4-2, they should definitely sign him.
“Is [Anthony] Martial a winger or a wannabe No. 9? And do you really want to play [Marcus] Rashford in a wide left position? I think they still have got some issues to resolve.”
He added: “There was no better thing than seeing Ryan Giggs running down the wing beating people in a Manchester United shirt for years and years.
“They haven’t really got a winger anymore. Wilf was never given a proper opportunity at United.
“Sir Alex [Ferguson], I totally believe, would have loved him.
“Look at what he did for [Cristiano] Ronaldo? Wilfried has still got that in him, so if I were United I would champion him, and if not maybe Manchester City might take him.”
Zaha contributed another assist for Palace on his most recent outing, as the Eagles condemned Huddersfield to relegation with a 2-0 win.
He has now teed up five efforts for grateful team-mates in the Premier League this season, while netting eight of his own.
Yiokpsz
1
I will buy zaha by my own money as soon as the window gets open
Zacbcku
0
Right now, he's better than Sanchez and as we don't have a right winger, zaha is a good option
Jaaacdempr
1
he is much better than martial .should never let him go.we have done it so many times.he would love the challenge to show how good he is .just what we need
lezcmruyz
0
I myself tip United to sing him back , Zaha is a fantastic player, I really regrets why Sir Alex Ferguson retired after making it deal. please my United get him back before it will be too late.
Vibmprsuy
0
I WISH IT SHOULD BE LIKE THIS FROM MILDFIELD TO FRONT
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man needs spiritual works lol
Tedbee77
2
Dream Team ..💯💯💯
Cuwbkluz
0
I WISH IT SHOULD BE LIKE THIS FROM MILDFIELD TO FRONT
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do you have sense at all
Tedbee77
0
I WISH IT SHOULD BE LIKE THIS FROM MILDFIELD TO FRONT
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Did you forget to use your drugs this morning ?? You need total deliverance ..
Cokabcip
1
I agree with much of what Holloway said but Zaha’s natural position is RWF, a position we’ve struggled to fill for ages. I’m just dribbling over the thought of having a forward line of Martial, Rashford and Zaha. They would absolutely oooozzeee!
Soocdmtu
2
just get him him back...he is really talented and skillful
Loyal_Ben
0
I like this guy...lively, quick and can beat his man...He is only 25 and his prime days a few 3/4 years more...he will be a good signing
wancepy
1
I prefer Memphis Depay...
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this is right lineup
Muolno
0
Next session this my first time
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remove phelippe coutinho, I dnt think he can play with his heart
Muolno
0
My dream starting XI next season
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u mean the bale at Real Madrid an injury prone or Wat
Rikadlptz
2
sign zaha back he's good
Wiucimruyz
0
I WISH IT SHOULD BE LIKE THIS FROM MILDFIELD TO FRONT
robjet07
0
Zaha I believe is a left winger. We need an authentic rw. Buy Zaha and let him sit on the bench while we play martial?
Zaha was a right winger before he converted into a left winger
Reddevilsalways
0
It's funny to see people wanted to sell Martial..He didn't played well last night because he is coming from injury and i think Ole played him with half fit... That's why he went back injured again..ole needs to stop playing half fit players in matches bcoz they are getting more injuries as we saw lingard against Liverpool
read the comments most of the people saying that we need to sell Martial and buy zaha..Which is unfair i think
totlnosuz
0
It's funny to see people wanted to sell Martial..He didn't played well last night because he is coming from injury and i think Ole played him with half fit... That's why he went back injured again..ole needs to stop playing half fit players in matches bcoz they are getting more injuries as we saw lingard against Liverpool
what has that got to do with this article
Reddevilsalways
4
It's funny to see people wanted to sell Martial..He didn't played well last night because he is coming from injury and i think Ole played him with half fit... That's why he went back injured again..ole needs to stop playing half fit players in matches bcoz they are getting more injuries as we saw lingard against Liverpool
rezeknpsuz
4
sign him again👹 red devils blood still into him vains.
TchabiKoffi
6
No need to sell Martial. sell Sanchez, Pogba, get a new skillful and fast midfielder instead of wasting our time watching" one time" show foot by Pogba. (inconsistent) (turtle style)
TchabiKoffi
6
Get, Zaha, Depay, and a strong defensive midfielder then sell Pogba. We can go along without having him.
Rekemo
0
I would have opted for this instead
madcow
0
Buy Zaha and let left wing position a competition between him and Martial...is a positive for both..
Zaha can play right wing too.
Kkrexuke
1
Zaha I believe is a left winger. We need an authentic rw. Buy Zaha and let him sit on the bench while we play martial?
CastelloGail19
3
Memphis Depay is a better choice. Some more United have a buy back clause on him. I will prefer he return back to OT
CastelloGail19
1
to be sincere this guy is better than martial, i watched his game today, his a very tough winger, and got foot works than him, martial is very lazy , not improving at all .....pls give this guy second chance
No I don’t agree. Zaha is playing at his favourite position all his career but Martial is adapted from forward to a winger. Not easy for him but he did well. Yes Zaha is good but sometimes his head not correct. I don’t know how to explain widely but if you always watch he played you will understand what I mean. When he had a chance to pass the ball he refused but when the opposition players is there that is the time he will pass the ball. At the end he lose the ball. When he’s good he play very2 good but when his head not correct you will see how bad he play.
hetadltz
1
Please Ole we beg you in the name of God buy zaha for us and he will work for you as best winger.. Please we need him and our attacking will be more dangerous for the opponent.
BraAnointed12
2
My dream starting XI next season
metimuz
4
his man u in his heart... we always cry for him to come back. hope ole can see a potential on him
ghabbyexclusive
0
u must be crazy comparing Martial with Zaha. man u should be thinking otherwise please
It’s the guys opinion it all love my brother next time I correct him in my opinion zaha is a better winger martial is more of a 9 as is preferred position zaha is a natural winger skillful energetic
deeabkpt
3
Buy Zaha and let left wing position a competition between him and Martial...is a positive for both..
Sidams
1
Prefer C.Smalling to Lindelof .. this is going by your suggestion stated above !
luyaeklnu
2
Next session this my first time
Fauclpsyz
0
to be sincere this guy is better than martial, i watched his game today, his a very tough winger, and got foot works than him, martial is very lazy , not improving at all .....pls give this guy second chance
it is a luck of respect that you compare martial to wilf, martial's composure is out of this world wilf licks that in many parts of this game
montestiokah
0
This young talent becoming better each day
fihdilsuz
0
to be sincere this guy is better than martial, i watched his game today, his a very tough winger, and got foot works than him, martial is very lazy , not improving at all .....pls give this guy second chance
u must be crazy comparing Martial with Zaha. man u should be thinking otherwise please
iceyez
3
Sell Martial and sign Zaha
adegbenga
2
to be sincere this guy is better than martial, i watched his game today, his a very tough winger, and got foot works than him, martial is very lazy , not improving at all .....pls give this guy second chance
nacbmtu
1
I agree with his thinking, zaha could be an asset for united.
Meshybaba247
2
If this guys started running at the opponents, it won’t be an easy task for any opponent to face this guys on attack. Speed, speed, speed, dribbling, dribbling, dribbling, this 4 guys in front can press comfortably and wins the ball from the opponents half....Manchester United, spend money. Spend it and stop managing average players.
Meshybaba247
1
Sanchez for Icardi, Lukaku for Rashford, Sancho for Zaha, Matial for Depay. Hereirra for Pogba, Lindelof for Verane, Bailly for Koulibaly, Romero for De Gea, we need LB and RB replacement for Show and Dalot. We have Jones and Smalling. So possibly manage Bailly to play RB sometimes and Lindelof LB sometimes in order for team shuffle.
clue_l3ss
4
I think Zaha can do better than Martial in that position
nueemry
0
I prefer both if possible
Meshybaba247
2
To be honest Zaha is now matured and confidence enough, he can play against any defender in the world, no fear of moving forward and very nice touches on ball with great movement and acceleration. Will be very nice if United can get him with Sancho, we need more players, we need 2 midfielders too, 2 defenders also. If City can have this team below I think United need more.
UtdRonny
3
I prefer Memphis Depay...