Crystal Palace manager Neil Warnock has claimed that Wilfried Zaha’s move to Manchester United failed because the club was “too big” for him.

The 21-year-old left Selhurst Park in January 2013 to move to Old Trafford for £15million. He never started a game for the Red Devils and made just four appearances during his stay.

Zaha left the club on loan to join Cardiff but he failed to settle in Wales as he failed to help them stay in the Premier League.

The winger returned to Palace on loan before the deadline two weeks ago and Warnock insists there was only one reason why the move failed.

“Man United was probably a bit too big really,” Warnock said. “They haven’t got time to educate players as much as a club like Palace have.

“We bring through players like Wilfried all the time and they need educating. To take him as quickly as they did and with the money involved, it was very difficult I think.

“I spoke to Wilfried the day after I got the job at Palace. There were four managers after him in the Premier League so there are a lot of managers who think he can do it.

“I just think he needs to be at home and to be loved – the fans love him here.”

Warnock will be hoping Zaha can fire the club clear of relegation this season, with the Eagles currently 2.30 to go down with Dafabet.