Manchester United shocked the football world when they announced during the deadline day the signing of Nigerian international striker Odion Ighalo. Ighalo, will reportedly join the Red Devil’s side till the end of the season. Ighalo joins from Shanghai Shenhua. The Red Devils is reportedly to have secured the deal worth £3million. However, this does not include an option to buy should Ighalo impress at Old Trafford.
Ighalo, is not new to the premiere league as he has enjoyed a spell at Watford before leaving for China. He has managed to acquire 40 goals in 100 appearance for the Club.
United, were in desperate need of a striker after Marcus Rashford pulled out due to a back injury. It is believed that Ighalo, will step in to provide back up to Anthony Martial. His arrival comes as a huge shock as many other contenders were link to United, such as the likes of Josh King, Islam Slimani and Salomon Rondon, before landing Ighalo.
Speaking on signing Ighalo, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had nothing but praise for Ighalo’s professionalism after signing him.
He said: “Odion is an experienced player. He will come in and give us an option of a different type of centre-forward for the short spell he’s staying with us. A great lad and very professional, he will make the most of his time here.”
The Nigerian International who was also the second top scorer in China in 2018 with 21 goals, is said to have turned down a six month loan deal with La Liga giants Barcelona in 2018. Ighalo, said he turned down the deal because of lack of playing time he was bound to get and was enjoying a spell at his now former club Changchun Yati. Last season he managed to score 10 goals in 19 appearances for club Shanghai Shenhua.
So, where does Odion Ighalo fit into the United squad? Well, the question is pretty simple, in front as their 9 as he is the perfect man for the job. United fans are also convinced that he will help get them to top four this season.
If we break down Ighalo’s stats, a good advantage is he is not new to the Premiere League. Although he left England as an out of form striker, he has since found his form. With the style of football Solskjaer plays, he fits in perfectly with his pace. Not to mention, he has scored goals in top flights.
Being that Manchester United has always been a dream for the lad, I’m sure he will put his all in to making it a remarkable one. After turning down Inter Milan and Tottenham during the January window, he is sure to prove that Man United putting their trust in him wasn’t a mistake after all. He is most likely to start after the winter break, being he is yet to arrive in England ahead of the clash against the wolves. Will Ighalo soar high like the Super Eagle he is? Time will tell.
