Odion Ighalo opened its doors on its shock move to Manchester United five years ago.
Ighalo, 35, joined the Red Devils on loan on the day of the deadline in January 2020 in the middle of an injury crisis which saw Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial for the sorts on the sidelines.
The striker, who played in the Chinese Super League (CSL) for Shanghai Shenhua at the time, had previous experience in the Premier League in Watford, Ighalo marking 15 leading goals during the 2015-16 season.
However, after struggling in the next campaign, he joined Changchun Yatai in China and spent three years in the Far East.
After having moved to Old Trafford under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Ighalo, who was a fan of Boyhoood United, spoke several times to realize his “dreams” by playing for the club.
He failed to score a goal from the Premier League during his fate – which was then extended until January 2021 – but he made five times in 23 appearances in all competitions.
Odion Ighalo opened its doors on its shock move to Manchester United in January 2020
Ighalo scored five goals in 23 appearances for United after joining Shanghai Shenhua
Ighalo had been informed that he was a third option of choice behind Salomon Rondon (L) and Josh King (R)
And, speaking to the Nigerian star of women Rasheedat Ajibade, Ighalo revealed how the transfer occurred.
“My agent called me that Man United wanted a lending attacker because Martial and Rashford were injured and they needed a rescue attacker,” he said.
“What team I said?” Did you say to Manchester United? And he said they had four attackers’ options (to sign) and that you are the third option and all that.
“I started to pray against these other options and I said that these other options would not work.”
He had been widely reported at the time that United was for the Bournimeth striker at the time, Josh King, who was a former product of the Academy at Old Trafford, while they were also interested in the former Everton striker and West Brom Salomon Rondon.
They were also linked to Leicester Flop Islam Slimani in what turned out to be a search for chaotic transfer.
However, the Rondon club Dalian Yifang refused the offer of loan from United, while Bournemouth also rejected an offer of 20 million pounds Sterling for King and Leicester wanted loan costs of 4 million pounds sterling for Slimani, which means that the club settled on Ighalo.
“I prayed and prayed and prayed,” continued Ighalo. “And two days later, my agent called me and told me that they wanted to go for me because the other options do not work and I said thank you God, thank you God.
Leicester Flop Islam Slimani was also an option, but the Foxes wanted heavy loan fees
Ighalo provided fascinating details on the movement and explained how he prayed for it to pass
Ighalo, who played under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, received praise but only scored five goals
“I still didn’t believe in my eyes. When I saw the offer they sent, the letter … on the united head paper, the goose buttons came out of my body.
Ighalo’s move to China came during CSL boom when astronomical wages were distributed, a report saying that the 35 -year -old was £ 400,000 per week in Shanghai.
And Ighalo continued to explain how the finances of his move to United worked, explaining that he was determined to make the transfer no matter what.
“I played three years in China,” he added. “I returned to the United Kingdom in the Premier League with Man United.
“This agreement was a dream come true for me because I am a fan of Core Man United. So when this agreement came, nothing that someone was talking had entered my ears.
Ighalo continued: “I had a payroll to go to Manchester but I didn’t care. I told my agent, making the agreement work.
“Even if they don’t give me money to play for Man United, I just want to wear this jersey.”
While the impact of Ighalo to United was minimal, it was much appreciated by supporters given its work rate and its clear affection for the club.
He then moved on the Saudi side Al-Shabab after his visit to Old Trafford and continued to represent Al-Hilal and Al-Wehda in Saudi Pro League.
