Ex-Palace Striker: United Can Forget about Cristiano Ronaldo, They Have Zaha

Former Crystal Palace forward Mark Bright believes Wilfried Zaha could be as good as Portuguese international Cristiano Ronaldo, during his time with Premier League leaders Manchester United.

The 20-year-old made his England senior debut late last year, when he made a substitute appearance in the friendly against Sweden. However, the Abidjan-born winger remains eligible to appear for Ivory Coast as well, as he has yet to play a competitive game for Roy Hodgson's side.

In any case, he will join Sir Alex Ferguson's side in the summer, after completing a £15m transfer from Selhurst Park. He signed in the mid-season window but the agreement with Palace is that he remains on loan with them for the rest of the season.

Ian Holloway's side are looking to gain promotion from the Championship to the Premier League next season and are presently fourth in the table, with 58 points from 33 games.

"Manchester United have bought potential. He's been so exciting these last couple of years and he's got so much better. He potentially can be another Ronaldo. He's got great skills. He can use both feet. He's got excellent speed and great endurance as well," Bright explained.

"He's learning and he's played for England. He's gone to the right club. You know you can't hold onto someone like that and £10million plus add-ons is a good fee for him," the Palace legend added.

Zaha has five goals and six assists from 32 Championship starts this season

Zaha, who has been in impressive form for Palace this season, caught the eye of several Premier League and, prior to his signing for Old Trafford, was courted by a number of top flight English clubs, including Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham. Indeed, there was even a report from The Sun that Spanish champions Real Madrid were interested.

Bright has made over 200 appearances for the Eagles, between 1986 and 1992. He scored nearly 100 goals for the club and reached the final of the FA Cup in 1990, where, curiously enough, they were beaten by United.

Redknapp: Ferdinand is Great for United

Meanwhile, QPR boss Harry Redknapp has praised United veteran Rio Ferdinand for his contributions to the club. The 34-year-old ex-England international, who graduated from West Ham's academy, has been described as one of the best central defenders in England. United travel to Loftus Road on Saturday afternoon, for a Premier League clash; read an IBTimes UK preview.

"Rio losing a yard probably still makes him as quick as any centre-half in the country. He was lightning quick, so if Alex thinks he's lost a yard that'll just bring him closer to the next-quickest centre-half - he's that quick. I just think he's a fantastic player. He's been a top player since he was 17 and he's been a great player for United. He's still top quality," Redknapp said.