'It was always Arsenal, Arsenal, Arsenal!' United-bound Zaha believed he was destined for boyhood team instead


Manchester United's newest recruit Wilfried Zaha admits he thought he was only ever moving to Arsenal this summer, until Sir Alex Ferguson came in to make a bid for him.

Gunners fan Zaha claimed that while Arsenal are a good side, the call of United was impossible to reject.

The 20-year-old winger told The Sun: 'It was always Arsenal, Arsenal, Arsenal, Arsenal in terms of where I could be going.

Different avenues: Zaha believed he was heading for Arsenal before United signed him in January

Different avenues: Zaha believed he was heading for Arsenal before United signed him in January

Familiar ground: Zaha put in an eye-opening performance at Old Trafford for Palace in the Carling Cup

Familiar ground: Zaha put in an eye-opening performance at Old Trafford for Palace in the Carling Cup

'I have always supported Arsenal. I did not expect United to come in but they did. Arsenal are a good team but United are one of the best in the world.'

The Englishman has been a revelation at Crystal Palace this season, and was signed by United for £15million in January before being loaned back out to the Championship club until the end of the season.

Zaha said he is looking forward to the big move up north, but admits he will be star struck when sitting in the dressing room among some of the biggest stars in football.

Starstruck: Zaha has already been in the company of star players, but admits he will be starstruck at Old Trafford

Starstruck: Zaha has already been in the company of star players, but admits he will be starstruck at United

'I am just anxious and excited,' he said. 'It will be something different. When I walk into that dressing room at United. I do not know what I will feel. I will keep my head down as I am there to play football.

'But I have to admit I will be a bit starstruck. Van Persie and Giggs will be in there - wow. Rooney will be in there - amazing. How can I not be looking forward to this?'

Zaha, who has one England cap, says he will have to get used to living in Manchester after being a Southern boy nearly all his life.

'Moving to Manchester will be something I have to get used as I have lived in the south of England since I was four.

' I will come down to see my family so I do not think my accent will change!'

Zaha England
Wilfried Zaha leaves his medical in Manchester after signing for Manchester United from Crystal Palace.

Growing: Zaha already has one England cap, and signed for United in January before being loaned back