Manchester United star needs to grow up says Holloway

Former Crystal Palace boss Ian Holloway has told his former chargeWilfried Zaha that he needs to “grow up a bit” if he is to fulfil his potential, urging the Manchester United winger to make the most of his impending loan spell away from the club.

The 21-year-old is due to move away from Old Trafford on loan before the end of the transfer window, with Cardiff City a likely destination, and Holloway used his Daily Mirror column to tell Zaha that he should use the experience to “show United what they are missing.”

“Wilf [Zaha] has gone from being a big fish in the small pond of the Championship and is now a minnow in the shark-infested waters of the Premier League,” opened the Millwall manager.

“And it’s been a struggle.

“I hope he uses his sabbatical in South Wales to show United exactly what they are missing.

“At the age of 21, he has more natural talent than any footballer I have played with or managed during a lifetime in the game. What he has got to prove now is that he also has the temperament.”

The former Palace boss admitted surprise at reports that Zaha had turned up late to a reserve fixture for United, writing that in his experience the youngster had been a manager’s dream.

“Believe me, he is one helluva player. And he is also a terrific lad, a manager’s dream, in my experience. So, I was surprised by reports during the week that he had been dropped to the bench for a reserve game because he turned up late,” said Holloway.

“That isn’t the Wilfried Zaha I know and I am sure that he would not have shown such a lack of respect to his club on purpose. But, as a manager, I can’t condone any player failing to get to a game on time.

“And, again, it’s all about attitude. Or lack of attitude.

Holloway continued by warning Zaha that he needs to be sensible with his attitude and career, warning that there is nothing more tragic than a once promising career falling by the wayside.

“I will always be grateful to Wilf for the role he played in helping Palace to win promotion to the top flight when I was the manager at Selhurst Park.

“And that’s why I have his best intentions at heart when I say the time has come for him to take stock of his life and career and grow up a little bit.

“Because, believe me, there is nothing more tragic than unfulfilled potential.”