The Manchester United player has revealed where he wants to go when his loan spell at Old Trafford comes to an end.
After failing to acquire the services of Erling Haaland back in January last year, Ole Gunner Solskjaer brought in Odion Ighalo on a loan deal from the Chinese Super League side Shanghai Shenhua and the Nigerian striker proved his worth by scoring in his debut match for Manchester United and ultimately ended up extending his stay at the club.
But according to Manchester Evening News, the 31-year old centre-forward’s contract at Old Trafford will not be extended any further. It is reported that Ighalo will be making his way back to his parent club, where the Nigerian has a contract till the end of this year.
Ighalo scored five goals and also provided an assist in the previous season but the former Watford striker has found himself constantly behind Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and summer signing Edinson Cavani in the pecking order this season. As a result, he has played just 157 minutes of football during the course of this campaign.
Despite being dropped from the regular team Ighalo has stated that he enjoyed playing for the Red Devils and is honoured to be a small part of their legacy. According to the Express, Ighalo in an interview with ESPN expressed his gratitude towards the club:
"“It was a good one and a tough one, before I came to United I never thought I would play, I’m a Reds fan.“If you ask anybody where I grew up, we fight because of Manchester United. We quarrel and argue.“So when my team didn’t do well they would start to insult and argue with me and I cried. I can tell you I’m the happiest man on Earth for my dream to come true, I fulfilled my dream.”"
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The former Watford star has even claimed that after his exit from Old Trafford, he has plans to play in the MLS and even showed his interest in David Beckham’s Inter Miami if the opportunity arises:
"“I would like to go there [MLS] if an opportunity arises. Being an experienced player, going there, doing well. It is an opportunity if it comes for me.“The David Beckham club [Inter Miami] is growing, so if an opportunity rises why not?”"
You would think that being a former Manchester United player will make him an attractive proposition for any MLS side, especially for David Beckham who has a long history with the Red Devils. Thus, do not be surprised if Ighalo’s wish to play for Inter Miami is granted in the near future.