Manchester United Transfer News: Wilfried Zaha Unwise to Rule out Loan

Manchester United forward Wilfried Zaha is one of the fastest-rising stars in soccer right now, so it is no surprise that he wants to play for the EPL's top team. With that said, it would be in Zaha's best interest to accept a loan elsewhere if the Red Devils decide to go in that direction.

According to David McDonnell of Mirror Football, Zaha has scoffed at the idea of new United manager David Moyes loaning him out during the 2013-14 Premier League season.

"

I've grafted to get here so Manchester United is where I want to stay, said Zaha.

I have moved away from most of my family and friends but it's progress. Everyone understands that. I wanted to make the move here because it's what is best for my career.

"

The 20-year-old Ivory Coast product's point is well taken, as playing at Manchester United has clearly been a dream of his, but an argument can certainly be made that being a Red Devil this season isn't best for his career.

Zaha made great strides last season with Crystal Palace in the English League Championship, netting eight goals and dishing out 10 assists on the year. Zaha was the driving force behind Crystal Palace's promotion to the Premier League thanks to his penalty-kick goal in the playoff final.

All of that resulted in plenty of hype, but it remains to be seen if Zaha is ready to compete at the highest level. His first match as a Red Devil came on Saturday, when United shockingly lost a friendly to Singha All Star XI, but Zaha was the squad's shining star.

He came on as a substitute in the second half, and while he didn't figure into the scoring, Zaha very nearly converted the equalizer with less than 10 minutes remaining in the match, but his strike cranked off the post and was ultimately cleared away.

Zaha's first foray was promising for Manchester United, but he'll have to contend with a much higher level of competition in the EPL. He'll also have to contend with far more talent on his own squad, as the likes of Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney and Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez didn't even play on Saturday.

Zaha does have some versatility as he can play striker or winger, but he is in direct competition with the aforementioned players for playing time. With that in mind, Old Trafford may not be the best place for him this season. Zaha will likely learn quite a bit from his veteran teammates in practice, but an up-and-coming player like Zaha needs game action.

If Manchester United were to loan Zaha back to Crystal Palace, he would still get to have the experience of playing in the EPL, but he would be counted upon as a star rather than a reserve. Playing regularly would be so much better for Zaha's development than riding the pine, so he shouldn't dismiss a loan so quickly.

It ultimately comes down to whether or not United has any desire to loan him out, but if Moyes approaches Zaha with the idea, he should have an open mind. Zaha's future is unquestionably with Manchester United, but it isn't a stretch to think that another year with Crystal Palace or another club will better prepare him for life as a Red Devil down the line.

Follow @MikeChiari on Twitter.