Manchester United Transfer News: Wilfried Zaha Will Struggle to Make an Impact

Wilfried Zaha possesses the potential to become a major asset for Manchester United in the future. Right now, the most important thing is getting consistent playing time to continue his development, which isn't guaranteed with the Red Devils.

He agreed to join Manchester United in January before being immediately loaned back to Crystal Palace until the end of last season. His name has once again popped up in loan talks, but he told the club's official site he wants to remain at Old Trafford:

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When asked about the speculation about his short-term future, he told ManUtd.com: "I've grafted to get here so Manchester United is where I want to stay.

"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."

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New United manager David Moyes said in comments passed along by ESPN FC that Zaha can remain with the first-team squad, but he would only go as far as stating the club would work him in the lineup "as often as we can":

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Wilfried did well. He gave us a little bit of something different. We have brought him here to give him a chance. It is the first time I have worked with him and had a chance to see him up close.

He will certainly be part of the squad and we will see where we can fit him in as often as we can.

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The biggest problem for Moyes and Zaha is the depth on the Red Devils' roster, especially in terms of attacking talent. Finding enough playing time for the rising star would be a major challenge unless an overhaul is completed before the new campaign.

Robin van Persie is going to lead the attack when healthy, and it's hard to imagine Wayne Rooney wouldn't continue to play a significant role if he stays with the club. Moyes has insisted he's not for sale and will remain with United.

The squad features plenty of depth, as well. Javier Hernandez, Danny Welbeck, Shinji Kagawa and Ashley Young are among the other players fighting to get involved in the offensive game plan in one way or another. And that's just the top of the list.

In other words, Moyes is already looking toward a delicate balancing act heading into next season. Adding Zaha to the mix, who desperately needs to play if he's ever going to turn his obvious upside into Premier League production, makes it even tougher.

Zaha's flashes of brilliance during his time with Crystal Palace are exciting for United, but he's still a raw talent. He scored eight goals and added 10 assists in 50 appearances across all competitions. Solid numbers, but certainly not eye-popping stats against a lower level of competition.

The bottom line remains that he needs playing time on a regular basis, whether it's with United or another club on loan.

After steady progress in recent seasons, he can't afford to sit on the bench for extended stretches during the upcoming campaign.

And it's going to be very difficult, if not impossible, for him to get the necessary opportunities with the Red Devils. Moyes is under a lot of pressure in his first season leading the club. If Zaha struggles early, the boss won't have much option but to go with other players.

As it stands now, it's tough to see him making an immediate impact for United. If that's the case, getting him the chances Moyes is hoping to provide will become tougher—and it's a trickle-down effect from there.

Zaha has a bright future. United must make sure this season doesn't turn into a setback, even if it means making some tough decisions or reversing course and convincing him to go out on loan again.