Manchester United reveal Odion Ighalo’s squad number after deadline day transfer
The former Watford striker arrived in Manchester on Sunday, following his six-month loan switch from Shanghai Shenhua
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Your support makes all the difference.Manchester United have revealed Odion Ighalo’s squad number after his shock deadline day arrival at Old Trafford.
The former Watford striker arrived in Manchester from China on Sunday, following his six-month loan switch from Shanghai Shenhua.
The 30-year-old, who grew up as a United fan idolising Dwight Yorke and Andrew Cole, joins the Old Trafford club for the remainder of the season.
The Nigerian international will wear No 25 during his stay in Manchester.
“It is a dream come true because since I was kid I always dreamt about Man United,” Ighalo said upon his arrival. “This is reality now. It has been crazy, but I am happy to be in Manchester and this is a great opportunity for me.
“I am happy to work hard with the team, and to finish very well this season.”
Ighalo turned down the overtures of another Premier League club to join United, where he will help address a short-term injury issue for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.
He scored 16 times in 55 Premier League appearances for Watford before moving to Changchun Yatai in January 2017, and then Shanghai Shenhua two years later.
“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,” Solskjaer said. “A great lad and very professional, he will make the most of his time here.”
United are not believed to have the option to make the loan deal permanent for a player whose attempt to leave China earlier in the week was reportedly thwarted by the knock-on effect of the coronavirus outbreak.
Solskjaer had hoped to have Erling Haaland at his disposal moving forwards, but Borussia Dortmund managed to beat them to the highly-rated Red Bull Salzburg striker.
There was interest in Bournemouth’s Josh King as they weighed up options as the deadline approached, but United are understood to have preferred a loan and baulked at the asking price for a permanent deal.
Instead, Ighalo will be the man tasked with helping United end the campaign with a trophy and Champions League qualification.
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