Ferdinand: Zaha a fantastic talent

The 20-year-old has already scored during Manchester United's preseason and the defender believes his new teammate has "great individual skills"

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has hailed Wilfried Zaha as a "fantastic talent" and believes the winger has already impressed in his early career at Old Trafford.

The 20-year-old helped guide Crystal Palace to the Premier League last season and was signed by United in January before being loaned back to Ian Holloway's side for the remainder of the campaign.

Zaha netted during a preseason friendly against J.League side Cerezo on Friday and Ferdinand believes the midfielder has the right mentality to improve.

"Wilfried is a fantastic talent. That is why you pay 15 million pounds for a kid," Ferdinand told reporters. "He is raw, with great individual skills and the early indications are that he is a hard worker.

"He wants to be a top footballer and he wants to improve. With those attributes, that desire and the influences he will have at this club, hopefully we will have a top player on our hands."

Ferdinand also believes Zaha's direct style of play is a positive attribute to possess.

"Wilfried can take people on from a standing start," said Ferdinand. "He is quick and direct but what has surprised me more is that he gets his shots off.

"I have not watched him loads but obviously he is a winger who has a hunger to get inside and drive into the opponents' box. That is a good thing to have."