Pardew blames Manchester United for lack of Zaha development

The 22-year-old was touted as a rising star before joining Old Trafford in 2013 and the Eagles boss has blamed the club for his lack of progression

Manchester United hindered the development of Wilfried Zaha, according to Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew.

Zaha's impressive performances for Palace in the Championship led to his United move in January 2013 before making his debut in July, yet the two-time England international struggled for game time.

The 22-year-old has been unable to recapture his form since re-joining the club and Pardew, whose team visit Watford on Sunday, feels Zaha's stay at Old Trafford stalled his progression.

"Manchester United took a risk, really, because he hadn't done it at Premier League level," he said.

"Maybe you could argue he needed a year in the Premier League to really develop and the year going to Man United set him back, there's no doubt about that.