Solskjaer tells Ighalo he can earn extra year at boyhood club Man Utd as loanee striker prepares for debut vs Chelsea
ODION IGHALO could earn an extra season at Manchester United if he proves a hit. The Nigerian striker, on loan from Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua, took part in a first training session with his new team-mates yesterday. Ighalo had been kept separate from the rest of the squad since signing due to issues surrounding the […]
ODION IGHALO could earn an extra season at Manchester United if he proves a hit.
The Nigerian striker, on loan from Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua, took part in a first training session with his new team-mates yesterday.
Ighalo had been kept separate from the rest of the squad since signing due to issues surrounding the coronavirus.
But he travelled to London in preparation for tonight’s match at Chelsea where he is likely to start on the bench.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says if United fan Ighalo, 30, can impress until the end of the season he could be staying for longer.
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The Old Trafford boss said: “It’s a loan, but when you’re in the door, and if you impress, it gives you a chance.
“That’s exactly the same for everyone who signs.
“If it’s permanent, or if it’s a loan, if you impress as a player, if you impress as a person, if you can help this group improve, of course there’s a chance we’ll look at extending things and signing.
“That doesn’t just go for Odion but his incentive is to play as well as he can and it’s up to us to make sure he wants to stay, if we want him.”
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Solskjaer denied bringing in the ex-Watford frontman on the last day of the January window was an act of desperation.
He added: “Don’t go down that route. He’s a loan player we’re very happy with. Hopefully he’ll prove what I think he will.
“He’s a proven goalscorer so he’ll do all right.”