Zaha: I’ve matured since my days at Old Trafford

CRYSTAL Palace winger Wilfried Zaha has revealed things didn’t go to plan for him at United because he was too interested in doing tricks.

The 25-year-old joined the Reds from Palace in 2013 on a five-and-a-half year deal, but was sold back to the Selhurst Park outfit in 2015 having made just four first-team appearances.

Zaha has been impressing for Roy Hodgson’s side this season, which has led some to question why he couldn’t have shone at Old Trafford.

Some suggested it was because he wasn’t given enough opportunities under then manager David Moyes, but the 25-year-old has admitted there was another reason it all went wrong for him.

“Me going to a big club when I was like 19 or 20, I didn’t know what to expect, how to behave, ” he told Sky Sports News.

“I was just a youngster who wanted to do tricks, I didn’t even care about end product really.

“Now I take things a lot more seriously - the gym aspect, recovery after games, my decision-making.

“I’ve learnt a lot in terms of my all-round game.

“I’m totally different now. I’m definitely more mature and more strong-minded.

“I had to be mentally strong after what I went through at Manchester United.

“I think in football, most of it is just mental. Once you’ve got that sorted, then you’re good.”