Odion Ighalo is set to be recalled by Shanghai Shenhua (Getty Images)
As per Daily Mail, Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could sign Odion Ighalo permanently after his loan spell ends.
United bought Ighalo on loan in January as they were forced to bring in reinforcements to their attacking unit due to Marcus Rashford’s injury. However, they don’t have a buy-back option in the Nigerian’s loan deal but he could possibly extend his stay at Old Trafford, as per the report.
Ighalo, 30, came through Prime FC’s youth system and joined Udinese in 2008. He was sent on several loan spells, including to Watford, for whom he signed permanently a year later in 2014. In his first season with the Hornets, he helped them get promoted to the Premier League, contributing with 20 goals.
He later went on to impress with two different Chinese clubs before United signed him on the deadline day in the winter. Though he received limited game time initially, he has offered a lot more to United in the final third.
In 6 games for United, he has scored 3 goals – one against Club Brugge in the Europa League and two against Derby County in midweek. He has been impressive for the side in recent weeks and therefore, United should hand him a permanent deal.
Apart from Ighalo, the Red Devils have Rashford, Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood as the striking options. However, Rashford and Martial are more often seen comfortable from the left side of the pitch and Greenwood has just gotten started with his career.
And before the Nigerian arrived, they had no proper centre-forward to hold the play in the opponent’s box and link with the other forwards. He was excellent for United in the FA Cup and both his goals came from the penalty area.
This decision would allow Solskjaer to move Rashford into his natural left-wing position and Ighalo would be better than a back-up for the Martial.
The 30-year-old has been a valuable asset to the team so far and has brought life into United’s attack along with winter signing Bruno Fernandes.
The former Watford man just finished off a brilliant campaign in the Chinese Super League. He already has experience in the Premier League, thus making him a viable option indeed.
Therefore, United must not delay in handing a permanent contract to the Nigerian before the start of the new season.
