Manchester United could make Odion Ighalo’s loan a permanent move in the summer, according to a report by Manchester Evening News.
Chief football writer Samuel Luckhurst shared the latest transfer update via his Twitter account:
United could make Odion Ighalo's move a permanent deal #mufc https://t.co/iGYn54udk1
— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) March 12, 2020
Ighalo scored his fourth goal in just eight appearances for the Red Devils since moving to Old Trafford from Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua on a short-term loan in January. The 30-year-old netted a fantastic finish to kick-start United’s 5-0 thrashing of LASK in the Europa League last-16 first leg (Transfermarkt).
The former Nigerian international’s loan contract expires on 30th June although the board do have the option to buy the striker. His current market value is registered at a mere £5.85m via Transfermarkt.
Ighalo was originally brought on board to provide cover for injured star Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial but he has provided club legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with plenty of rotation at the top of the pitch, allowing Martial to rest whilst Rashford continues to work on his recovery from a back injury.
Martial missed the Europa League tie on Thursday after sustaining nasty cuts to his shins during the 2-0 win over derby rivals Manchester City last weekend, which allowed Ighalo to start in Austria on Thursday.
Naturally loads of Manchester United fans have been reacting to the transfer link online with several supporters commenting that the Nigerian is better than former striker Romelu Lukaku.
Scroll through some of the best responses so far…
https://twitter.com/26scholes/status/1238188286755180545?s=20
He's probably a better option than Lukaku because Lukaku is better and demands to be the first choice striker. That being said, Martial has a potentially higher ceiling and also should have that spot. We have Greenwood developing. Ighalo at 30 is a better option for the squad. https://t.co/ogDavRjnK7
— Marcus Anthony Thomas (@chocuz) March 13, 2020
Fully deserves it
— Edryd Jones (Ed) (@edrydjones) March 12, 2020
Why not, nice to have someone to come to united despite low wages (relatively) rather than someone coming for the £££. Plus he’s playing well
— UTS (@Agillespie1990) March 12, 2020
Ighalo should be given a permanent deal… This is the kind of striker we need.
Giving United crucial goals— Kangwana Dennis (@dennis_kangwana) March 12, 2020
Best backup striker itl.
— ? (@Wilefv1) March 12, 2020
It would be a dream come true for him. Fair play to the lad!
— PjStan (@PjStan70) March 12, 2020
Get him on a proper contract, he’s earnt it and shown he’s what we need as a plan B.
— Nathan (@utdNathann) March 13, 2020
United fans, do you think the club should sign Odion Ighalo on a permanent basis this summer? Let us know in the comments below!
