Manchester United manager David Moyes has attempted to explain the absence of Wilfried Zaha from the first-team this season.
Zaha, who joined United from Crystal Palace for a fee of £15 million in January, has yet to make his competitive debut for the Reds, with his only appearance coming in the Community Shield — a glorified friendly — against FA Cup holders Wigan Athletic.
The England international, 20, is reportedly attracting loan interest from former club Crystal Palace and Newcastle United after impressing on the Reds’ preseason tour of Australia and the Far East.
“Wilf has not appeared,” said Moyes. “We have not felt we have had the opportunity.
“I want Wilf to get used to what happens here. The competition is hard. It is just impossible to get all these players a game at the one time. You can only ever play 11.
“It is important Wilf gets to see the level of the training here, the level of the players and the quality they have got. He is getting better which we are pleased about.”
Zaha may feel hard done-by with his lack of first-team football, and rightfully so, especially when considering the poor form of United’s wide players — with the exception of Adnan Januzaj — at the start of the season.
Now then, although newly-promoted side Crystal Palace remain interested in Zaha, manager Ian Holloway does not expect to land the pacy 20-year-old winger on loan in January.
“David Moyes has his own issues at Manchester United, so if we were to go shouting about wanting him back on loan, I don’t think we will ever get him back,” Holloway told the South London Press.
“Besides, we have options – Jason Puncheon can play either side and in the pocket as well as in central midfield. Yannick Bolasie is coming back and will do well. It is all about having a squad that is strong enough to make changes and sustain good performances.
“At the moment, we are not beating people. Kebe might have the chance to do that. And we know Jerome Thomas can.”
Remy enjoying Newcastle loan
France international forward Loic Remy is enjoying his loan spell on Tyneside but remains coy on his long-term future, Sky Sports understands.
Remy, 26, has bagged five goals and one assist in five Premier League appearances for the Magpies this term, fueling speculation he could move to St James’ Park on a permanent deal at the end of the season.
“I am really enjoying it at Newcastle, but what happens next I don’t know,” said Remy.
“For the moment the question of staying beyond my loan period is not in my head – it is a good question, but we have time to decide.”
Remy is 13/2 to score first or last and 15/8 to score anytime against Liverpool on Saturday.
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