Manchester United have the perfect candidate to replace Odion Ighalo
By Bence Bocsak
If Manchester United cannot keep Odion Ighalo at the club, they already have the perfect candidate to replace him for the remaining fixtures.
A year ago if you told someone, Manchester United fans would come to adore Odion Ighalo, not many people would have believed you. With the Nigerian having turned thirty and already plying his trade in China, Ighalo looked to be winding his career down.
In unprecedented circumstances however, Odion Ighalo career trajectory has seen a huge rise since January.
A boyhood United fan, Odion Ighalo has caught everyone by surprise with his fervent energy on the pitch and goalscoring prowess. The Nigeria arrived at a time when the Red Devils were the most vulnerable in terms of scoring goals and he has helped the team thrive alongside fellow new arrival Bruno Fernandes.
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Nonetheless, it seems because of the current crisis and the precarious nature of his loan deal, Odion Ighalo’s fairytale United career could soon be cut short. With reports claiming the forward is expected to return to China.
It would be a bitter blow for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his side, especially in what promises to be a crucial period for the future of the club, with the Red Devils expected to play a deluge of fixtures in a short space of time in the hunt for a Premier League top four spot.
However, it is a challenge which could see the rise of an academy talent. Often youngsters take advantage of injuries or departures of key players to stake a claim in the first team and that could be the same with Ayodeji Sotona.
The Irish forward has been extremely impressive in the Red Devils’ academy this season. Sotona’s pace and trickery would be perfectly suited to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s explosive counter attacking style. He is versatile too and is comfortable playing on the flanks meaning Ayodeji Sotona could give Solskjaer plenty of options. Many people who watch the youngster play have tipped him to emulate Mason Greenwood and the 17 year old could be ready for first team action.
With Ole Gunnar Solskjaer desperate to give youth players a chance, the Norwegian certainly won’t shy away from presenting Ayodeji Sotona with an opportunity.
Therefore, losing Odion Ighalo could ultimate result in a gain for the Red Devils.
Red Devils want to win the race against Zidane for transfer target. dark. Next
Do you think Ayodeji Sotona could replace Odion Ighalo?