John Salako: 'Wilfried Zaha can emulate Cristiano Ronaldo'

Crystal Palace coach John Salako believes that Wilfried Zaha could be the replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United.

The highly-rated youngster signed for United in the January transfer window and will be loaned back to Palace for the rest of the season.

Salako thinks that the move will be a success for Zaha and backs the 20-year-old to become an "absolute star" under Sir Alex Ferguson, much like Ronaldo.

"Manchester United never really replaced Cristiano Ronaldo and I really do think Wilfried Zaha's got that kind of ability," the former Palace player told Goal.com. "If he can match half of Ronaldo's dedication, drive, focus and desire to be the best player in the world, he'll have a chance.

"Certainly working under Sir Alex [Ferguson] in that environment at Man United, he couldn't go anywhere better. I just think he's going to be an absolute star there.

"The lad's got everything. He's strong, quick and got so much ability, but he needs to learn the game - at the moment he's still quite raw."

Zaha has been in impressive form in the Championship this season and earned his first England cap against Sweden.