When Odion Ighalo joined Manchester United on loan in January from Shanghai Shenhua, it was almost laughable. The Nigerian had only experienced the Premier League for one and a half seasons with Watford and was suddenly joining one of the biggest clubs in the world. While Ighalo was extremely happy with this deal, many fans were not, especially when taking into account the strikers who could have joined. Despite this, he has impressed and it would be a good move for Manchester United to sign Odion Ighalo permanently.
It Would Be a Good Move for Manchester United to sign Odion Ighalo Permanently
Dream Move for Ighalo
Boyhood United fan Ighalo was ecstatic when the option of joining them arose. He took the opportunity, joining the Red Devils in a deadline day loan deal. The Nigerian even had to ‘accept a pay cut’ in order to make the loan deal happen and become the first from his nation to play for United. He said in an interview in 2016 that ‘playing at Old Trafford has always been a dream’, and that comment has certainly aged well. Ighalo now plays his home games at the Theatre of Dreams and is quickly becoming a fan favourite there.
Playing Well at United
Since joining United, Ighalo has four goals and an assist to his name. His goal tally is just one less than that of Alexis Sanchez, despite having played roughly 2,300 minutes less than him. The loanee has a 72 minutes per goal ratio and has seriously impressed with wonderful goals, such as his netting against LASK Linz in the Europa League. He has not only provided United the depth they need at striker, but also some quality when called upon.
Why it would be good for United to Sign Odion Ighalo Permanently
Manchester United have very little experience in their attack. Anthony Martial, 24, is the oldest of the rest, with Marcus Rashford and Daniel James at the age of 22. Tahith Chong, who recently signed a new contract, is 20, and Mason Greenwood is 18. Although Ighalo may have very little Premier League experience, he has experience nonetheless, and that can be vital for United. Other skills of his which greatly help the Red Devils include finishing and holding the ball up. These can be crucial in-game management, as shown in the Manchester side’s recent victory against their noisy neighbours Manchester City, and Ighalo can serve as a depth player for them in the future, coming on as a substitute to help see out games, while also occasionally starting and helping with the quality he can provide.
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