Zaha speaks on Moyes daughter’s rumours, ‘depressing’ time at United

Crystal Palace striker Wilfred Zaha has opened up, for the first time, on the rumours about his relationship with the daughter of former Manchester United manager David Moyes and his depressing time at Old Trafford.

Speaking to Daily Mail, the Ivory Coast-born forward said he experienced tough times at Manchester United adding that he was not given a chance to prove himself.

The 22-year-old described the atmosphere at United as ‘mechanical’ and agonising stating that he felt everything he did was under scrutiny.

The England forward was Sir Alex Ferguson’s last signing at Manchester United in 2013, before his retirement at the end of the season.

Zaha revealed that the two only spoke once when they adding that he did not ring him when he was on loan at Palace in the Championship.

“He did not check how I felt or how I was playing during my loan spell and did not offer any reassurance that I was still in his plans,” revealed Zaha.

From United to Crystal Palace

Even with the coming of Moyes, things did not look up for Zaha who was ignored at United’s training ground at Carrington, with Moyes reportedly focussing on players that would be involved in upcoming matches.

“The problem is that most people did not know what was happening at the training ground and all they knew about me was from hearsay,” he said.

“I did not have any relationship with the daughter of David Moyes (Lauren Moyes). I did not even know her,” he clarified.

Despite a stellar pre-season, Zaha only featured in two matches for United, none in the Premier League, and moved to Place permanently after a loan spell at Cardiff.

“I was very disappointed when Ferguson retired. But I came to terms with it and gave a great display during the pre-season. My efforts were not however recognised as David Moyes said I was not ready for the premier league.”

“I had to go to training knowing that I would not play. Sometimes, I would see United fans making fun of me. I went through that every single day. I was there by myself with no one to speak to.”

As opposed to his stay at Manchester United, Zaha said he is enjoying his time at his new club and gets support from his manager Alan Pardew.

Zaha advanced to Crystal Palace’s first team from their academy in 2010 before his much-hyped transfer to Manchester United for £10 million. He however remained on loan at Palace until the end of the season, helping them return to the premier league.

After a shaky 2013/14 season at Manchester United and Cardiff on loan, Zaha returned to Palace in 2014 on a season long loan before making the move permanent in February 215.

He featured for Palace against Manchester United in their 0-0 draw on Saturday.