Do Manchester United really need Wilfried Zaha?

Wilfried Zaha made many headlines in January with his big money transfer to Premier League champions elect, Manchester United.  But do United need another winger?

Ever since his debut at current loan club Crystal Palace, Zaha has earned rave reviews for his trickery on the wing and his ability to score goals from wide positions as well as create them.  Zaha has by the tender age of 20 racked up an impressive 100 plus appearances in the Championship, terrorising many an opposition full back in the process.

When Zaha reports for his first day of pre season training at Carrington in July, he is set to become one of many wide options available to Sir Alex Ferguson, but out of these options, who will provide the greatest resistance in Zaha’s quest for a starting berth at Old Trafford?

Antonio Valencia – Without doubt the most consistent current wing option at Ferguson’s disposal, Valencia combines pace and trickery with a physical presence and the ability to get up and down the pitch.  Valencia also offers versatility and has filled in at right back on a number of occasions.

Ashley Young – There can be no doubting the former Aston Villa mans technique, particularly with a dead ball, however there are question marks over Young’s consistency.  A series of recent niggling injuries may also be testing the patience of Ferguson.

Nani – Seemingly out in the cold at Old Trafford and not trusted to perform in big games, Nani looks certain to leave United in the summer having struggled with consistency and injuries despite an undoubted natural ability.

Ryan Giggs – With the evergreen Giggs not possessing the raw pace he did in his formative years, the Welshman has adapted his game to enable him to be used more centrally and also more sparingly considering his age.  There is still also a small question mark as to whether or not Giggs will continue to play on into next season, although equally it would surprise anyone should he carry on until he is 50.

In addition to these what you may call more ‘natural’ wingers, United also have players that can play wide depending on the system.  We have recently seen Danny Welbeck and Wayne Rooney deployed wide in the Champions League and midfielders Tom Cleverley and Shinji Kagawa can also offer width.

In conclusion, there seems to be a lack of consistently performing wide men at Old Trafford, something Sir Alex Ferguson is possibly looking to address with the signing of Zaha.  There will naturally be a bedding in period as the England international begins life as a Premier League player, but there is a real opportunity, proving he can hit the ground running, that Zaha can quickly establish himself as first choice wide man at Old Trafford.

Aaron SharpFollow @ajs26061988