As Manchester United’s season sunk to a new low with a 2-1 defeat at Stoke City, there was one United player who shone brighter than them all.


Yet unfortunately for David Moyes and his side it was Wilfried Zaha, on loan at Cardiff City.

Zaha’s pace and creativity started a spirited comeback for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side, as goals from Craig Bellamy and fellow new-boy Kenwyne Jones cancelled out an early opener from Norwich City’s Robert Snodgrass.

Having spent the majority of the season stuck in the reserves, it was a reminder to Moyes about the importance of youth and how the young players can influence and transform games and seasons.

18 year old Adnan Januzaj, arguably United’s best player in the most miserable of campaigns, was confined just to a place on the substitute’s bench, and as United toiled was overlooked in the closing stages of the game.

Sir Alex Ferguson was always willing to give youth a chance and David Moyes should follow suit.
Up until Saturday’s defeat Moyes’ handling of Januzaj had been exemplary. Used, a lot, but never overly so.

He would benefit from recalling Nick Powell from his loan spell at Wigan, where he has been in sensational form, whilst also giving more opportunities to Jesse Lingard who shone on loan at Birmingham City.

Powell would be an assured option in the centre of midfield, and should be given a starting berth if Tom Cleverley continues to struggle.

For Zaha he will have to wait until next season, where he will hope to challenge the likes of Januzaj, Antonio Valencia, Ashley Young and Nani for a place in the side.

With the current crop of players below par, Moyes must go for broke and gamble in a bid to transform United’s season.

It could just be the making of him in the Old Trafford hotseat.