Odion Ighalo gave his first interview to Manchester United’s website earlier today after clinching his loan deal.
He had positive words to say about his new teammates, especially the striking unit he is set to join.
Ighalo was particularly glowing about Marcus Rashford, who he will be filling in after he suffered a back injury.
He says he views Rashford as one of the best players on the continent after his form to start the season. He also praised Mason Greenwood and Anthony Martial.
Rashford netted 19 goals for United in all competitions prior to getting injured, the best tally of his career, which hopefully he still gets to add to.
He said: “Greenwood is a very good player; young, very good left foot, I’ve watched some of his game.
“Martial is very skilful, he can do so much magic with the ball and Rashford I think is, for me, one of the best, if not the best, player in Europe right now. He’s doing well, scoring goals; he’s fast, he has good technique.”
Ready to help
Ighalo says that despite the talent in United’s forward line, he can provide a new edge.
He says his game will complement the existing options and give the team something different, which is currently lacking.
He explained: “You need someone in the middle that can keep the ball, hold the ball, because I’ve watched so many United games. So they need a physicality there up front to keep the ball, to give and to make some movement, which I believe, if everything goes well, I can add to the team.”
The Times report Ighalo will fly out to Marbella this weekend to join up with his teammates for a training camp.
It’s important he gets to work with them, with a crucial stretch of games upcoming, kicking off away to Chelsea on February 15.
This game will give Ighalo a chance to become an instant hero, while a week later he could face former side Watford at Old Trafford, with a Europa League tie in between.
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