Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew: No reason Wilfried Zaha can't get back to Manchester United

Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew believes there is a possibility of Wilfried Zaha rejoining Manchester United in the future.

The 22-year-old was Sir Alex Ferguson's last signing at Old Trafford before the Scot retired in 2013. He endured a disappointing first season under the guidance of former Red Devils manager David Moyes.

United manager Louis van Gaal allowed the winger to rejoin the Eagles on loan in the summer of 2014, before making the deal permanent earlier in 2015. Zaha admitted United's move damaged his confidence and he had to leave the 20-time English champions in order to regain his form.

The former Newcastle manager believes the United move came in too early in Zaha's career and has urged the England international to bounce back from the miserable spell he had at Old Trafford.

"There's no reason why he can't get back to Manchester United again as a seasoned player," Pardew explained.

"I saw his interview on TV after the game and he looked happy – so he's getting there. We've all been hurt in our careers. I've had the sack on two occasions – you get hurt and you've got to remould yourself and become better from a disappointment."

"I think the Man United thing came too early for a young player who, let's be honest, didn't get enough of an opportunity there. He needs to get rid of it now and move on and build his career," he added.

Zaha scored his first Premier League goal against Queens Park Rangers after going without scoring for over 1,200 minutes. Pardew has urged the former United flop to focus on improving his form in order to make it to England U21 squad for the European championship in the summer.

"I know Gareth Southgate very well and I'll speak to him. Wilf has definitely found himself a bit and I think Gareth would like somebody in his squad who has the kind of quality that Wilf does," the Crystal Palace manager said.

"I would love Wilf to be on that trip because that is a big tournament for us, particularly after the Champions League results this year. And England didn't do well in the World Cup so I think Gareth should have the best players available and I'm hoping Wilf is one of them."

"But he's got to do it between now and the end of the year and push for a place in that squad – that should be a goal for him."