Zaha: I could have ended up in League One

Cape Town - Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha has revealed he feared his career would dwindle following his forgettable time with Manchester United

The Ivory Coast international who was Sir Alex Ferguson's last signing as United boss, was not given a chance by the Scot's successors David Moyes and Louis van Gaal, and eventually returned to Selhurst Park.

And, since returning, he has found the form that attracted the Red Devils attention to develop as one of Sam Allardyce's star men in their revival to retain their top-flight status.

"The was and point I was thinking 'If I don't buck up, I could let this slip'," Zaha was quoted by the Sun. "Before you know it, I could have been in League One.

"I knew that what happened at United should not define me as a person or player. It was about having a strong mentality and working hard. I'm at an age where I feel I have to start fulfilling my potential," he added.

"People said I was not ready for my big move - but I didn't get the opportunity and was just branded as a flop. I had to start again. I'm doing it for myself and also to show I'm a good player."

The Ivory Coast international has scored six goals and registered 11 assists in 32 league outings this season.