United confirm Zaha exit

Wilfried Zaha has made his loan spell at Crystal Palace a permanent transfer after joining the south London club for £3m on transfer deadline day.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s last signing at United, Zaha cost the club almost £15m in the 2013 January transfer window but failed to establish himself as first team player under David Moyes and Louis Van Gaal, playing only four times for United since arriving to Old Trafford at the beginning of last season.

“I wasn’t getting much game time at Manchester United so took the opportunity of coming back on loan this season,” Zaha told Palace’s website.

“To now have the chance to make the move permanent and come home to Selhurst Park is something I’m delighted about.”

After signing in January 2013, Zaha spent the remainder of the season at Palace, helping the Eagles returning to the top flight, but failed to impress Moyes last season and was loaned to Cardiff City in January last year.

In the Welsh capital, the 22-year-old played 13 games without scoring before returning to United in the summer and playing consistently throughout the summer tour in the US.

Van Gaal, however, was left unimpressed by the youngster’s alleged lack of commitment and allowed him to return to Palace on loan last summer.

“For me to be a better player I need to play more games and having a gaffer that, I know, has great trust in me gives me the confidence I need to help me improve my game,” Zaha added when asked about the reasons behind his move.

“I started playing here when I was eight years of age and my family live local and to have the opportunity to take the field in the Premier League for this club is a dream come true.”