The Nigerian has opened up on his previous experience of the Theatre of Dreams as each a supporter and an opposition player.
Odion Ighalo has recalled how precise he felt on his first trip at Old Trafford as a Watford player, and expressed his satisfaction over being in a position to create even “greater moments” now he is officially on Manchester United ‘s books.
United reached an agreement to sign Ighalo on loan from Shanghai Shenhua on the last day of the winter transfer window, in a move which raised extra than a few eyebrows.
The ex- Nigeria international enjoyed a previous stint in the Premier League with Watford, however questions had been asked over his fitness and quality due to the fact he had spent the last three years of his profession in China .
Ighalo has since put any doubts over his capacity to be triumphant at United to rest, hitting 4 goals in his first three starts offevolved for the Red Devils , inclusive of a sublime effort during a Europa League victory over LASK earlier this month.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer defended United’s acquisition of the 30-year-old through pointing to his natural goalscoring abilities and fantastic hold-up play, and he has rewarded the United manager’s trust by supplying top-quality cover for Anthony Martial in a central striker role.
Ighalo has now explained the contrast in his thoughts when stepping out on the Old Trafford pitch as both a Watford and United player, having been a lifelong fan of the club.
“When did I first set my eyes on it? It was in 2013 when I came to see the stadium, to visit it and go around, taking pictures outdoor the stadium,” he told United’s official website.
“The first time I played there was for Watford in 2016. Manchester United is a huge club. When I saw that, I was amazed. I was backyard the stadium and I took pictures.
“Then I played there with Watford, against United, and it made me even more happy. I came out of the stadium and stood looking at it.
“This is the stadium you have been gazing back home when you were younger and now you’re playing right here for Watford in opposition to Man Utd. It feels good.
“And even now, playing for United? It’s making even greater moments for me.“
United remain one of the world’s largest clubs and boast a large following in Ighalo’s homeland, with the forward delighted to receive so much help from his fellow countrymen.
When asked how Nigerian followers tune in to watch the Red Devils on a weekly basis, Ighalo responded: “It’s good – you have to go to an event centre and pay to watch the games.
“Any time United were playing, I’d go with my siblings. You’d have to pay to watch the games and now people are watching me and United. It is a large fan-base and it is growing even tons bigger.
“Everybody is sending me messages announcing they can’t wait to see me and watch the United games. I am very joyful about that.”
