When players move to a different league chances of scoring against their former clubs reduce. But some players seize the opportunity the get on the European stage. Galatasaray faced off against Manchester United and former Red Wilfried Zaha did not hold back after scoring at Old Trafford.
In 2013, a young Zaha joined the Theatre of Dreams on a $12 million deal. It was a dream move for the Ivorian but was reduced to only 4 appearances for the club. He had just 167 minutes of game time and was on the bench seven times. Unimpressed by his performances United loaned him back to Palace and to Cardiff City before selling him permanently in 2015.
Wilfried Zaha – Crystal Palace to Manchester United (2013) pic.twitter.com/tW8CJUQiVl
— Transfersthathappened (@actualtransfers) September 2, 2022
The timing was not on Zaha’s side as new manager David Moyes could not trust the young winger. Zaha during an interview said that the new manager did not believe in him and had forgotten about his existence. He also spoke about the rumors of him sleeping with David Moyes’ daughter which further ruined his time at the club.
After Louis Van Gaal joined the club, Zaha was already transfer-listed and the Dutch manager wanted to get rid of the ‘flop‘ signing as soon as possible. After Palace resigned Zaha, manager Neil Warnock said “He wasn’t in a good place. It was obvious he felt let down by Manchester United”. He also said Van Gaal told him to play at two positions he wasn’t comfortable with (striker or wing-back).
Nonetheless, Zaha redeemed himself during the years he spent at Selhurst Park where he was by far the best player. And unfortunately, Zaha was just a victim of the wrong place and wrong time as he had no idea about Sir Alex’s retirement.
Wilfried Zaha for and against Manchester United
Looking back in 2023 it is hard to believe the cult hero of Crystal Palace, Wilfried Zaha who has always been linked with top clubs during his time at Selhurst Park once tried to make a name for himself at Manchester United. After getting only 4 matches to prove himself the young winger failed to score in any of the games. The only goal he has in a United shirt is for the U-21 team.
Wilfried Zaha Manchester United – 4 matchs(2013-2015) pic.twitter.com/XYBSVjPq1m
— HxH (@Ham_TheMan) November 15, 2021
Zaha has scored a whopping 90 goals for a mid-table side in the Premier League which is nothing short of a huge achievement and many of the goals were against the mighty Top 6 of the Premier League. In 16 appearances he has against his former club Zaha has been able to secure a win for his club 5 times.
He has scored three times against the Reds in the Premier League and provided one assist in a Carabao Cup win. Recently he added to his goal tally against the Reds after scoring in the Champions League bringing his total goals tally against his former team to 4 goals.
Wilfried Zaha has 4 goals in his past 5 games vs. Manchester United 💥
Still got it 👊 pic.twitter.com/4GCx7vpt9R
— MatchdayCPFC (@MatchdayCPFC) October 3, 2023
Zaha reacted to his first-ever Champions League goal by saying it was like a dream come true and after the win, he also posted a message on social media saying “God’s timing is the best timing”. In short, United missed their chance by letting go of a player who could have been useful for United during the post-Ferguson era.
