Manchester United are keen to extend Odion Ighalo’s stay at Old Trafford, according to Simon Peach.
The chief football writer revealed Ed Woodward would like to offer Ighalo a new contract but a decision on any agreement lies with his parent club Shanghai Shenhua.
Peach tweeted: “#MUFC would like to extend Odion Ighalo’s stay at Old Trafford. The striker’s loan deal expires at the end of May but an extension for the rest of the season (assuming it restarts) depends on the situation at Shanghai Shenhua. He certainly made a decent impact in a short period.”
Ever since arriving at the Theatre of Dreams from the Chinese club in January on a short-term loan, the Nigerian has made an immediate impact, scoring 4 goals in just 8 appearances for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side so far (Transfermarkt).
Originally signed to provide cover for Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial, the 30-year-old has made quite an impression, taking 2.7 shots per game, making 2 key passes, and completing 1.7 dribbles on average in the Europa League so far (WhoScored).
In comparison, Martial has averaged 1.8 shots, provided a mere 0.3 key passes on average, and registered 1.5 dribbles per game in the European competition this campaign (WhoScored).
Solskjaer has made it clear he wants to keep the former Nigerian international in England for the rest of the season.
Surprisingly, despite his contributions up until now, Peach’s update on Ighalo has divided the Red Devils faithful. One fan lamented the “state of this ambition less club” while another countered by pleading with the board to “sign him up.”
Have a read through some of the different reactions down below…
https://twitter.com/Hamxxaarr/status/1257755242541846528?s=20
State of this ambition less club 😭
— مستبين (@MAC_2609) May 5, 2020
Sign him up ,short term contract ,give him a proper pre season ,he will be an assist 👍
— Andy fuller 69 (@alexthompson08) May 5, 2020
sign that man , well deserved
— Triller (@exquisite_move) May 5, 2020
As a fan for both clubs over 20 yrs, would be more than happy to see @ighalojude succeed at Dream Theatre. #wheredreamcomestrue
— David Zhang (@DavidSHloveMufc) May 5, 2020
Not really, just making sure we have striker if the season restarts in June/July. It literally says his contracts runs out at the end of the May, so it’s a no brainier
— Darrel (@DarrelSmith05) May 5, 2020
He’s average at best if he is what we have as a replacement God help us
— adam.apple (@adamapp42805521) May 5, 2020
United fans, do you think Woodward should focus his attention on Odion Ighalo or find another target? Join the discussion in the comments section!
