What United Fans Are Saying About Odion Ighalo’s Loan Extension
REUTERS/Lisi Niesner
Manchester United have officially extended Odion Ighalo’s loan spell. The Nigerian striker is currently on loan at Old Trafford from Chinese Super League side Shanghai Greenland Shenhua.
He had become part of United late during the winter transfer window and since then fans have fallen in love with his antics upfront.
They took to Twitter to express their reactions to the extension and the collective tone speaks volumes about how he has been received at United during his brief stay.
Manchester United will also have a buy option to sign Ighalo on a permanent deal on January 2021, at the end of the loan. 🔴 #MUFC #ManUnited #transfers
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 1, 2020
A reminder of Odion Ighalo’s last goal before the break in the season. The show goes on. 👏 [optus] pic.twitter.com/HDEOCP1mH9
— The Man Utd Way (@TheManUtdWay) June 1, 2020
Makes perfect sense given number of games @ManUtd have to play + Chinese Super League on hold. Ighalo loves club and made positive impression.
— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) June 1, 2020
🎯 Martial scored 3 goals in 4 Premier League games after Odion Ighalo arrived. [compared to just 1 in 5 prior]
The ability to rotate has benefited him massively, will be a huge boost if we keep the latter until the end of the season. #mufc pic.twitter.com/hRql2709Em
— JoshGI 🇾🇪 (@JoshGI97) May 31, 2020
The COVID-19 enforced lockdown forced Ighalo to spend what would have been his final days at the club at home. However, as a result of this extension, not only will Ighalo be able to complete this season with United but also stay on for an entire year, with the next release due at the end of January 2021.
Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reacted to the move by stating (via manutd.com): “They [Shanghai Greenland Shenhua] have been great towards us, allowing him to play for his dream club. It’s been a dream for him and hopefully he can finish what he started and win a trophy with us.”
Having netted 4 goals and provided an assist already, it will be interesting to see what else he’ll be up to during his extended stay.