Playing for Man-U a dream come true – Ighalo

Nigerian international Odion Ighalo says becoming a Manchester United player is a dream come true.

Ighalo sealed a last-gasp Deadline Day loan move to United from Chinese Super League side Shanghai Shenhua.

The former Watford striker touched down at Manchester Airport on Sunday morning and said he is relishing the chance to prove himself at Old Trafford.

“It’s a dream come true because since I was a kid I followed and dreamt of Manchester United,” Ighalo told Sky Sports News.

“But it is a reality now. I cannot say much more now until I get started.”

Reflecting on a hectic last few days before the transfer went through, Ighalo said, “It’s been crazy. Obviously, I am happy to be in Manchester first of all.

“This is a great opportunity for me and I am grateful to God, and to my agent, and the coach who has given me this opportunity to be here.

“I am happy to be here and to work out with the team and finish very well this season.

“The plan is to just chill today because I travelled a very long way from Shanghai to Manchester.

“Today is to just rest and tomorrow we start to work.”

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United’s striker search had led them to talks with Bournemouth over Josh King, but a disagreement about the fee made that look increasingly unlikely as the transfer window’s deadline day developed. And instead their focus switched to the Nigerian international.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer told the club’s official website: “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.

“A great lad and very professional, he will make the most of his time here.”

Igahlo left Watford in 2017 to join Changchun Yatai in the Chinese Super League, and in 2019 he made a move to Shanghai Shenhua in the same division. And with a matter of hours remaining in the transfer window, United agreed terms to bring Ighalo to the club.

He becomes the first Nigerian to play for the Premier League giants.

Reports suggest the striker will not undergo a medical, but that he is fit and ready to play.