David Moyes Doesn't Trust Young Winger With Important Premier League Games

Manchester United manager David Moyes admits he is unwilling to trust Wilfried Zaha with the enormity of Premier League games so early into his Old Trafford career.

Zaha joined United last January, spending the remainder of the season on loan at Crystal Palace, before moving to the champions this summer.

But the 20 year old has been restricted to just one appearance this season - the Community Shield win over Wigan Athletic - and has been an unused substitute three times this term, most recently for the League Cup victory against Liverpool in mid-week.

And Moyes says the reason behind Zaha's constant omission is due to him being unsuitable for the nature of top flight fixtures.

"Wilf is one of the boys we have not been able to have a look at so far," Moyes admitted on the eve of the league game against West Bromwich Albion.

"We always said we wanted him in. We needed him to see exactly what the level is like, and the boy is doing well.

"But Premier League games are important. We have to win them.

"So whilst there will be some players who get the opportunities sooner rather than later, some will have to wait their time because it is a fact you can only play 11."

United resisted sending Zaha out on loan with Palace boss Ian Holloway having admitted the club made a deadline day move to try and sign the England international.

Zaha last season returned to Selhurst Park to inspire the Eagles to promotion via the play-offs after victory over Watford at Wembley.

Moyes has been criticised in some quarters for seemingly ignoring a number of first team players so far this season. Shinji Kagawa, who made 30 appearances for United last season, has played just twice this term while Javier Hernandez, the match-winner against Liverpool, made his first start of the campaign in the League Cup win.

After the pair featured on Wednesday, Moyes is expected to revert to the core of players who have played for United in the Premier League so far this season and in addition could welcome back Robin van Persie from injury after the Dutchman missed two games with a thigh problem.