Wilfried Zaha hits the ground running

Wilfried Zaha

In that there is a humility rare in the modern footballer. Born in the Ivory Coast, Zaha moved to Croydon with his family when he was just four. He has never returned to the motherland, but as the eighth of nine children in a family seeking a better life, Zaha has his feet firmly grounded.

But those toes twinkle on the field when allied to a range of skills that should bring the Old Trafford ground to its feet this season. Starting wide, Zaha boasts a natural tendency to drift inside, using genuine pace and tight close control to pull his opponents out of position. The limited goal output to date – just eight in 50 games for Palace last season – should increase as the player matures.

“I like to drift into midfield so, if I do, [defenders] won’t be able to stick with me. Once I get turned that gives me the chance to do what I do,” Zaha told the Guardian last season.

“I have different tricks. If someone’s on my back, I’ll stand on the ball and put it in a position where the guy behind me can’t see where it is. That gives me a chance to roll him whichever way I want. I’m always thinking ahead.”

Zaha’s maturity of thought already compares favourably to the frustrating decision-making that Nani has enhanced only marginally in six seasons at Old Trafford. Should the youngster add both goals and assists to his game then a rapid promotion to Moyes’ first XI will surprise few.

True, there is work to be done. Not least on improving that output, while Premier League defenders are unlikely to be quite as forgiving as those in the Championship.

But praise has already been garnered from inside the United camp. It is to be expected, perhaps, but few have been as excited about a new youthful acquisition since Cristiano Ronaldo joined in 2003.

Ronaldo’s ascent to stardom was all but guaranteed – a once-in-a-generation talent exposed on debut against Bolton Wanderers a decade ago. Zaha comes with no such assurance, but says United veteran Rio Ferdinand, the player’s work ethic and natural talent bode well.

“Wilfried is a fantastic talent. That is why you pay £15 million for a kid,” said the defender.

“He is raw, with great individual skills and the early indications are that he is a hard worker. He wants to be a top footballer and he wants to improve. With those attributes, that desire and the influences he will have at this club, hopefully we will have a top player on our hands.

“Wilfried can take people on from a standing start. He is quick and direct but what has surprised me more is that he gets his shots off. He is a winger who has a hunger to get inside and drive into the opponents’ box. That is a good thing to have.”

The player is likely to feature against Kitchee in Hong Kong on Tuesday, before the Moyes’ squad heads back to Europe for games against AIK in Stockholm and Ferdinand’s testimonial against Sevilla at Old Trafford. Zaha already looks as sharp as any on tour.

“He has been quite quiet because he is still getting to know everybody, but he has had an impact in the games,” said new United manager Moyes.

“We want to try and bring him along nicely. He showed the players that he can make things happen. We want all players at Manchester United to score goals and he has come up with an important one.”

Add more in the upcoming trio of fixtures and Zaha might well earn a spot in the Community Shield fixture with Wigan Athletic on 11 August. It is an exciting prospect in an otherwise underwhelming summer.