Shanghai Shenhua revealed they agreed to loan out Odion Ighalo to Manchester United to help him “better maintain a competitive state”. The Chinese Super League side and United underwent “friendly negotiations” which led to Ighalo returning to the Premier League.
Shanghai Shenhua say they have completed “friendly negotiations” with #MUFC & are happy to loan out Odion Ighalo to help him “better maintain a competitive state” as the Chinese club deals with current issues
Simon Peach
According to reporter Simon Peach, Shanghai agreed to loan out their striker because they believe this will be a great opportunity to improve his game.
The Flower of Shanghai added that they are also dealing with certain “current issues” amid the Wuhan coronavirus outbreak which has affected the mainland.
Peach tweeted: “Shanghai Shenhua say they have completed “friendly negotiations” with #MUFC & are happy to loan out Odion Ighalo to help him “better maintain a competitive state” as the Chinese club deals with current issues.”
This came after the Chinese Football Association announced the postponement of all football matches in mainland China as the coronavirus has taken the lives of at least 170 people.
Manchester United star Odion Ighalo has joined on loan (Image: GETTY)
Health authorities claim that more than 7,700 cases have been detected in the country while two people from the same family have tested positive in the UK.
The announcement read: “The Chinese Football Association will continue to maintain close communication with national authorities, to determine the timing of each event in this season based on the actual development of the epidemic situation at various locales.
"It will make reasonable adjustments to the system, schedule, and scale of some events when necessary."
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United had been looking for a striker throughout the January transfer window to replace Marcus Rashford, who is expected to be sidelined until April after suffering a double stress fracture to his back against Wolves earlier this month.
The Red Devils were linked with the likes of Erling Braut Haaland, Timo Werner and Edinson Cavani but ultimately opted for Ighalo.
Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is happy with that addition and expects the Nigeria international to make the most of his short time at Old Trafford.