Former Manchester United centre-back Jaap Stam aforesaid Odion Ighalo’s signing is a chance for the forward to get additional goals within the Premier League.
The 30-year-old completed a late six-month loan deal from Chinese Super League club Shanghai Shenhua to old Trafford on Friday, 3 years after he left vicarage Road.
Ighalo is the 1st Nigerian player to join the Red Devils, and he’s expected to spice up their attacking choices with Marcus Rashford ruled out for some of weeks with a back injury.
In his reaction to the transfer, Stam – who spent 3 years in Manchester before departing for Italy – admitted that the ex-Watford star will be inspired to get additional goals and raise his tally of thirty one goals within the Premier League.
“He’s got nothing to lose because no one thought he would be a United player,” Stam told SkySports.
“United have the boldness in him. We’re all a bit stunned, however he can just move into there and do his thing. we all wish to see United get back up there.
“Like all former players and United supporters, we wish him well. he is joining a big family. everyone within the club hopes that each player will do well and is going to perform.
“I’m positive he’ll feel welcome and hopefully he is going to produce.
“He’s currently playing with better players than he was at Watford, therefore he can get additional opportunities to score than at Watford.
“I’m positive he’s got the power. He wasn’t their 1st alternative, however you assume individuals have seen him and trust what he can bring.”
Meanwhile, former Newcastle United and stoke city boss Mark Hughes believes the Nigerian forward is who Ole Gunnar Solskjaer needs up front because of his physicality.
“He’s the sort that United want, whether or not that is a long-run view Ole has in terms of wherever he wants to take the team,” Hughes added.
“I’ve watched them on a number of occasions and that i always feel they lack that physicality at the top end of the pitch, just to alleviate pressure.
“When United won at city and were getting pressed hard, they needed an outlet to knock it up to a big man who might retain possession and resist challenges.
“Without that physicality, generally you can’t get out.”
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