Wilfried Zaha achieved redemption by netting in Galatasaray’s 3-2 win over Manchester United… and now the former Crystal Palace star is enjoying a world outside English football

• Manchester United were beaten 3-2 by Galatasaray in their group stage clash 
• Wilfried Zaha opened the scoring with a neat finish inside the penalty area 
• Click HERE to listen to the latest episode of Mail Sport’s ‘It’s All Kicking Off’ 

Redemption. With a smile as wide the Old Trafford pitch, Wilfried Zaha cupped his ears in celebration as if to say: ‘how’d you like me now?’.

Zaha’s scored 93 goals since turning professional in 2009. None would have felt sweeter than this.

And all at the place he couldn’t wait to see the back of in 2014. You couldn’t escape the irony.

Old Trafford will never be home to Zaha, too much water has passed under the bridge.

But, one day, when he looks back at his career, this iconic stadium provided the stage for what was unquestionably one of the most satisfying moments of his career to date. It’s funny how things work out.

Wilfried Zaha (pictured) smiles during Galatasaray’s 3-2 win over Manchester United

The forward wheeled away in celebration after netting the opening goal in the match

Of course, United never got to witness Zaha in full flight during his short time at the club having joined in 2013.

He was an enigma then. Too young. Too raw. But last night United caught a glimpse of what might have been had they persisted with him.

The fragile Zaha they may remember had become a man. A man who has developed into a supreme attacking entity. A man United could probably do with right now.

Power, athleticism and – most pertinently of all – end product.

Just ask Diego Dalot, who was made to look a fool before Zaha acrobatically scored his first ever Champions League goal past Andre Onana to fire Galatasaray level.

Zaha’s a pretty cool customer off the pitch. A family man, who prefers a night in than one on the tiles.

But you couldn’t help but sense the emotion ooze out of Zaha’s impressive frame as he burst away in celebration.

This was the night Zaha had craved his entire career – his first Champions League start. But not even he could have written this script.

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‘A dream come true,’ said Zaha.

In many ways, it’s a shame this moment has taken so long. Zaha’s loyalty to Crystal Palace was admirable but truth be told, he should have been starting Champions League matches way before last night.

But, boy, has he made up for lost time. Not that he ever doubted he would; Zaha has always believed he belonged on this stage.

Finally he has tangible proof of that.

Those who questioned his decision to ditch the Premier League for Turkey in the summer won’t be so staunch with their views now.

There’s a world outside English football, and Zaha is experiencing that in all its glory. He certainly did last night.

Because this is the sort of occasion he left Selhurst Park for. He had options: he could have stayed at Palace – who offered him the most lucrative contract in their history.

But this is what he wanted; a crack at the big time.

‘It’s not even the game it’s the build up,’ added Zaha.

The former Crystal Palace winger has been enjoying life in Turkey since moving in the summer

The winger spent two years at Manchester United before returning to Crystal Palace

‘On the coach we were playing the Champions League music. It’s a different feeling. I’ve finally made it here.

‘There’s nothing like it, playing between the best, chance to showcase my talent against the best.

‘I feel like it’s where decided whether you’re good or not.’

You’re definitely good enough, Wilf. Europe – Zaha has arrived.

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