Odion Ighalo opens up on “dream” Man Utd spell and targets Premier League return.
Manchester United’s former player Odion Ighalo says he has no regrets about his time there.
In January 2020, the Red Devils signed the striker on transfer deadline day, and he spent the next year at Old Trafford in one of the Premier League’s most surprise transactions in recent memory.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was in desperate need of strikers, and Ighalo, a boyhood United fan who had been winding down his career with Shanghai Shenhua, matched the description.
The 32-year-old, who now plays for Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia, describes the encounter as a “dream.”
“You’ll need something to show your children in the future… I’ve been telling my kids about Manchester United, the experience, and what it’s like to be a part of it “ESPN remembered Ighalo.
“I walked out of Old Trafford with pride, my head held high, because this was my ideal squad, and not everyone’s dream comes true. My wish came true, and I’m grateful for it every day of my life.
“To be the first Nigerian to play there and the only Nigerian so far, those are huge accomplishments for me, and I did well, so I’m thrilled.”
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Despite only being used as a substitute for Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford, the Nigerian scored five goals in 23 appearances for Manchester United.
His commanding presence as a target man – albeit in the background – provided Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team with a much-needed focal point, allowing them to reach the Europa League and FA Cup semi-finals while finishing fourth in the Premier League in 2020-21.
“Old Trafford has a distinct atmosphere. It’s a large club. You have no idea how enormous the club is unless you go inside. It’s a big, colossal, colossal club “he explained.
“So, I thank God I got to play for the biggest club in the world; it’s a huge accomplishment for me, and when you ask, ‘What can I improve on?’ I believe I completed all of my responsibilities. I put in a lot of effort, scored a couple goals, and I’m satisfied.
“I don’t have a single regret from my time at Manchester United; in fact, I have none. They are still my team, and I will continue to support them to the end.
“I’ll support them even if they’re struggling because it’s Red Devils all the way.”
Is it possible that Ighalo will return to the Premier League?
Well, the former Watford midfielder, who could have joined West Ham United or West Bromwich Albion before travelling to Saudi Arabia, is certainly interested in returning.
“Of course, the Premier League is the best league in the world, and if I ever get the chance to return, I’ll take it with both hands,” Ighalo added.
“But, for now, I’m content where I am and looking forward to continuing to play week after week. If another possibility in the Premier League presents itself, I will research it and, if it is beneficial to me, I will take it.
