Ole Gunnar Solksjaer Says Odion Ighalo Breathe Fresh Air On Manchester United

Odion Ighalo might just be on the edge of landing a permanent deal with Manchester United as Ole Gunnar Solksjaer is clearly delighted in his performance in the team's outing.

United have been making the most of the striker they signed from the Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua on Deadline Day in January after talks broke down between them and Bournemouth for Joshua King. Ighalo was previously linked to Barcelona before his move to China but praised his move to Asian Pacific because there he can get enough game time.

"It doesn't hurt [playing for your dream club] but he's here on merit, he's here because he is a goalscorer and a different type of striker for us," Solksjaer said.

The Nigerian forward gave United the leap to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, scoring twice in 3-0 win over Derby County despite former England captain, Wayne Rooney making an appearance with Rams. The goals scored brought his goal tally to three after scoring his first in 5-0 win against Club Brugge for United to reach the Europa League Last 16.

Whilst Marcus Rashford is currently out for a back injury, Ighalo seemed to be just the right replacement for him, and Solksjaer admitted to that for his brilliance at converting scoring chances and making his presence felt in the box better than Rashford, Martial Anthony, and Mason Greenwood would.

He added, "He doesn't miss the target very often. even for Anthony Martial, Mason Greenwood and Marcus Rashford to learn that it is where the sharks are swimming."