David Moyes Needs to Unleash Wilfried Zaha for Manchester United Now

Wilfried Zaha once again emerged from the Old Trafford tunnel and turned right last night, dressed in a tracksuit, to take his place on the substitute bench rather than turning left and striding on to the pitch. 

It is becoming a depressingly familiar journey for Zaha, both home and away this season.

So far, Zaha is still waiting to make his Premier League debut for United, having not played a single minute of this campaign.

Zaha has been an unused substitute for the games against Swansea City and Crystal Palace, while he wasn’t even in the squad for the games against Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City. 

It had been expected he would finally be given his debut in the Capital One Cup against Liverpool last night, but for the sixth consecutive game, he was forced to watch from the sidelines.

It seems a strange way to treat a £15 million new signing.

Especially as Zaha is exactly what United need at the moment; a player full of attacking intent who offers a genuine goal threat.

The 20-year-old is a raw and brilliant talent, but so far David Moyes has not been convinced by his predecessor’s final signing. Zaha’s promising displays during the club’s preseason tour were seemingly forgotten as soon as the Premier League started.

Since the opening day of the season, United have failed to score from open play in their next four games, registering only two Wayne Rooney free-kicks and a Robin van Persie penalty. 

Meanwhile, on the flanks, Zaha’s three rivals for a position in the side have either been inconsistent or—in the case of Ashley Young—unremittingly woeful.

Nani’s performance against Liverpool last night indicated he is possibly returning to his best form, but Antonio Valencia and Young have not done enough to keep Zaha out of the starting lineup.

Manchester United have signed a star in Zaha; he is the real deal, blessed with pace, the use of two feet, incredible balance and a collection of blurring skills and tricks.

It might be unfair to make comparisons, but Zaha’s physique, confidence and ability has echoes of a young Cristiano Ronaldo.

Sir Alex Ferguson, who had 10 years earlier also signed a young Ronaldo, showed a frustrating reluctance to enter the transfer market during his final years at Old Trafford. However, in January this year, he didn’t hesitate to spend £15 million on Zaha—a player from the Championship with no Premier League experience at all.

When news emerged of Ferguson’s retirement in May, Zaha would have naturally been disappointed that he was never going to get the chance to play for the man who signed him.

At the start of his reign, David Moyes was always going to play safe, which has meant Zaha is still waiting for the chance to impress him.

However, if Moyes wants his side to attack with more verve and brio and start scoring more goals, he should show more faith in Zaha and give him his debut against West Brom this weekend.