Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew has criticised Manchester United for ‘damaging’ winger Wilfried Zaha.
The 22-year-old was Sir Alex Ferguson’s final signing as United manager but was forced to go out on loan to Cardiff City after making just three first-team appearances under David Moyes last season.
Zaha has since rejoined Palace, first on a loan deal, moved to a permanent move in February, but Pardew feels the player is still suffering from a lack of confidence, developed during his time at United.
“There are two things with him; firstly, I don’t see him smiling enough and secondly, he takes everything like a massive disappointment. Now that’s a player who has been damaged,” Pardew told reportres.
“What I mean by that is if he doesn’t get a pass, he can have a little sulk – not for long, just for a couple of seconds, but that’s enough in the Premier League for something to happen.
“And he does it in training too. I’m saying this publicly because I think it’s important that he understands that he needs to get rid of it.
“He played with a little bit more of a smile on his face and when you do that you can show a bit of exuberance and try things.
“I think the Man United thing came too early for a young player who, let’s be honest, didn’t get enough of an opportunity there. He needs to get rid of it now and move on and build his career again.”