Rio Ferdinand has conceded that he is impressed by the recent performances of his new Manchester United teammate Wilfried Zaha.

The £15m signing from Crystal Palace has earned praise for his displays during United's pre-season tour of the Far East and Australia, where he has scored once and laid on numerous chances for others.

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

"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.

"Wilfried can take people on from a standing start. 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."

Zaha was part of the Palace squad that gained promotion to the Premier League last season.