The stat that proves exactly why Moyes doesn’t want Zaha at United

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Wilfried Zaha did not make a single accurate cross for Cardiff against Aston Villa last night.

And that was in a game where there were 71 in total across both sides.

Incredibly, Zaha was even shown up by Jordon Mutch, who made more crosses than the 21-year-old in just half an hour on the pitch.

Indeed, all Zaha had to show for himself before being substituted after 60 minutes was an offside goal – and even that, bizarrely, was from a corner.

As Opta stats from yesterday’s clash between Cardiff and Villa demonstrate, Zaha only attempted one cross all game.

That was despite seeing plenty of the ball and making three successful dribbles for his side.

Meanwhile, David Moyes’ Manchester United side famously continue to pursue a policy of ‘cross the ball,’ after making 81 of them in the 2-2 draw with Fulham on Sunday. Could that be the reason Moyes wasn’t keen on the young winger this season?

A look at the 21-year-old’s stats across the campaign proves last night was no rare phenomenon. Zaha has made just one accurate cross all season and averages only one attempt per game.

Although the former Crystal Palace man obviously needs more time to develop, having made just five Premier League appearances this season, it seems his burgeoning talent is still yet to provide a final product.

Hope does exist, of course, with the fact that Zaha provided an assist on his very first Cardiff appearance. But the Man United loanee will have to show a lot more initiative on the ball if he is to ever work his way back into Moyes’ good books.

images: © Jon Candy