Man Utd: Pundit discusses Solskjaer's transfer plans
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer loves two things about Odion Ighalo, reports say. The Nigeria international has impressed since his move from Shanghai Shenhua on deadline day, scoring four goals from eight games. And he could be in line for a permanent move to Old Trafford at the end of the campaign.
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And, on the pitch, the Nigerian has been a revelation.
Ighalo scored on his first start for United in the 5-0 drubbing of Club Brugge in February - and followed that up with a brilliant brace against Derby.
He was also on target as United beat LASK 5-0 before the coronavirus crisis brought football to a crashing halt last month.
And Solskjaer could now sign him permanently, with Shanghai set to demand in the region of close to £15m in order to sell their star striker.
United could actually turn to Ighalo for financial reasons, with Ed Woodward recently admitting things won’t be normal at Old Trafford this summer.
"We will continue looking for more ways of supporting those in need for as long as the pandemic continues," said Woodward.
"Everyone is grappling with the economic realities of the pandemic and we are no different. The longer the crisis continues the greater the impact will be for every club, including ourselves.
"But it is important to acknowledge the part played by our successful business in allowing us to fulfil our social responsibilities. We have always believed that our commercial model gives us greater resilience than most clubs.
"We are eager to see the team return to the field as soon as we are advised it is safe to do so.
“And while it may be that games need to be played behind closed doors in the shorter term, we all recognise that football will not be fully back to normal until supporters are once again in attendance."
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Former United goalkeeper Mark Bosnich has hailed Ighalo for his impact - but feels Solskjaer should sign another striker regardless.
“We saw Marcus Rashford’s injury, and they had to go and basically get another striker in Ighalo so quickly," Bosnich told Sky Sports.
"I think they need to strengthen in that area to make sure that they have got top quality back-up.
“That’s not being disrespectful to Ighalo because he’s been absolutely fantastic since he’s come in.