Manchester United’s pacey prospect Wilfried Zaha has had a tough start to his career at Old Trafford following his £15million summer move from Crystal Palace, according to England under-21 manager Gareth Southgate.
The winger has featured just once for United this term – in the Community Shield win over Wigan – and rarely makes manager David Moyes’ bench.
The lack of game time has frustrated Zaha as well as the United faithful and reports suggest that the 20-year-old will be loaned out in January.
“It is tough for him. It is tough for any player when they are not playing regularly,” said Southgate.
“Wilf has joined a new club with all the difficulties that brings. Have I noticed a lack of confidence in him? No. There is probably some frustration because he just wants to play.
“But he is at a fantastic club and he realises that to get in the team is going to take a lot of work and patience.”
Away from Old Trafford, Zaha hopes to gain some playing time, as Southgate is poised to start him in tonight’s European under-21 qualifier against Lithuania at Ipswich.
Having not played in Thursday’s trouncing of San Marino, Zaha will be fresh to showcase his talents which sealed his big-money move to Manchester.
“It was never my intention to play him in both of our matches this week,” said Southgate.
“He understood that. But he has got the opportunity now to show people what he is capable of.”
Image courtesy of ESPNUK via YouTube, with thanks.
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