Manchester United Rejected Loan Bids on Transfer Deadline Day

Crystal Palace manager Ian Holloway made one last desperate attempt to sign Manchester United starlet Wilfried Zaha on loan on transfer deadline day.

The Eagles travel to Old Trafford to take on the Premier League champions this Saturday in a game where Zaha could be given the opportunity to shine against the club who oversaw his development.

The 20-year-old enjoyed a sparkling pre-season for United but is yet to make his Premier League debut, having started in his side's Community Shield win over Wigan Athletic.

With Antonio Valencia, Ashley Young and Nani all vying for wide positions in David Moyes' XI, Holloway made attempts to sign his former player on loan during the summer transfer window, and has revealed one last desperate attempt was put forward as Palace scrambled for new additions on transfer deadline day.

"I asked about a loan for Wilf but David (Moyes) will select him at the right time," Holloway told reporters.

"I asked about him in the last day of the transfer window. Just in case.

"If there is a better club for him to go to I would like someone to show me. I am delighted for him. I am so proud of him."

Alongside fellow young hopefuls Jesse Lingard and Adnan Januzaj, Zaha was one of United's most impressive performers in what was an ultimately underwhelming pre-season campaign.

The former Palace star was rewarded with his start in the Community Shield clash, but has failed to make the match day squad since United's season opening victory over Swansea City. But United's refusal to listen to offers backed by comments made by Moyes at the beginning of the season suggest the youngster will earn his opportunities sooner rather than later.

"This is a boy that's come right of the Championship, he's done well in the pre-season games and we felt it was right that he got an opportunity," Moyes said, speaking last month.

"He's going to develop but he'll be a bit up and down, but it was a great opportunity for him to get on the pitch for Manchester United.

"I'm really looking forward to working with him and improving him and I'm sure we'll use him as the as the season goes on."