Palace to sign Man United flop to boost survival bid
Published:
Neil Warnock is looking to hit the ground running after returning to Selhurst Park and has made signing Wilfired Zaha his first priority.
The 65-year-old was the shock appointment to replace Tony Pulis after talks with Malky Mackay, Tim Sherwood and Steve Clarke broke down for various reasons but the former QPR, Leeds and Sheffield United boss is not looking to dwell on any negative comments.
Warnock is already busy lining up a season-long loan deal to bring Zaha, who has endured a torrid time at Old Trafford, back to Selhurst Park.
Zaha has shown little promise as a United player and also failed to impress during a loan spell with Cardiff last year but a return to familiar surroundings and the warm embrace of the Eagles fans could have the winger hitting form once again.
It was at Palace where Zaha first terrorised defences, hitting 18 goals and numerous assists in 143 games for the then Championship side.
Warnock and Zaha may not be the cavalry Eagles fans were hoping for but Chairman Steve Parish believes he has appointed the right man at the right time in order to prolong Palace’s stay in the top flight.
“[Neil] is a safe pair of hands for us right now. He has unfinished business in the Premier League and things he wants to prove to himself, “he told reporters.
“He went down with 38 points, which I believe would have kept you up last year, and in unfortunate circumstances … with Sheffield United. He likes the club, has a lot of affection for the fans and it felt a good fit.”
Palace are now odds-on to avoid the drop at 4/9, but a relegation price of 6/4 suggests Warnock will need to recruit more than just Zaha to give the south Londoners a fighting chance at survival.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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