Wilfried Zaha wept tears of joy after helping Crystal Palace secure promotion to the English Premier League on his final appearance for the club.

The 20-year-old winger, who joins Manchester United this summer, put in a match-winning display as the Eagles sank Watford 1-0 at Wembley.

Zaha’s charge into the penalty area, and Marco Cassetti’s clumsy challenge, resulted in the 105th-minute spot-kick which Kevin Phillips converted to spark jubilant scenes.

It means the England international’s departing gift for the club, where he’s been since he was eight, is not just a STG15 million ($A24 million) transfer fee but also the eye-watering STG120 million jackpot that comes with promotion these days.

Defender Danny Gabbidon said: “He’s been here a long time, he owes the club a lot.

“He was emotional after the game, I think he realised just what he has done and what we have done.

“Now he’s moving on to play for one of the best teams in the world next season. I’m really pleased for him, it’s a fairytale ending.”

Zaha was Sir Alex Ferguson’s final signing as United boss and his performance proved the Scot is still not a bad judge of a player despite deciding to retire.

Midfielder Owen Garvan has backed him to be a hit at Old Trafford under new boss David Moyes.

“Fair play to him, he cares so much about the club, he’s been here since such a young age,” said Garvan.

“He was crying in the dressing room afterwards. He grew up with the club, he’s fond of the club but you can’t really turn down Manchester United.

“I’m sure David Moyes will get into him and he will be a top player in the future.”