Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew has stated that Manchester United hindered the career of Wilfried Zaha in signing the player without considering how to effectively use his talents.

Zaha made just four appearances for the Red Devils following his January 2013 transfer from Palace before returning to Selhurst Park two years later.

"Sometimes I think these big clubs take players too early and they're literally taking talent without any consideration to how it's going to work in the team," Pardew told reporters on Friday.

"Manchester City you could look at a number of players - Scott Sinclair, Jack Rodwell - it's very difficult to get it back. You've taken a very important year out of someone's career.

"Therefore, my job is to get him to understand the level of the Premier League and how to perform consistently. There's no doubt he's good enough for the Premier League. But consistently week in week out, effecting the game, scoring goals, assists, this is where he will be measured."

Zaha, who Pardew has already called on to focus more, forms part of the Eagles' squad for their trip to Watford on Sunday.