The tale of the United youth product who left without fulfilling his potential but became a Crystal Palace icon

This weekend, Crystal Palace will travel to Old Trafford to face Manchester United in a Premier League clash. The game will be particularly special for one player: Wilfried Zaha. The Ivorian winger, who spent his formative years at Manchester United, will be returning to the club where he once dreamed of becoming a first-team regular.

Zaha joined Manchester United's academy as a teenager and quickly made a name for himself with his pace, skill, and direct running. However, despite his obvious talent, he struggled to break into the first team and was eventually sold to Crystal Palace in 2013.

Since leaving Old Trafford, Zaha has gone on to become one of the Premier League's most exciting attacking players. His performances for Crystal Palace have earned him a reputation as a match-winner, and he has been linked with moves to some of Europe's biggest clubs.

A Missed Opportunity for United

Manchester United's decision to sell Zaha has often been questioned by fans. Many believe that the club made a mistake in letting such a talented player leave. Zaha's subsequent success at Crystal Palace has only served to reinforce this view.

A Sentimental Return

Zaha's return to Old Trafford will be a sentimental occasion for both the player and the fans. The Ivorian will be eager to show Manchester United what they are missing, while the United fans will be keen to see how far he has come since leaving the club.

What to Expect

The match between Manchester United and Crystal Palace is sure to be a fascinating encounter. Zaha will be looking to inspire his team to victory, while Manchester United will be keen to avoid an upset.