Solskjaer reveals that he might consider making Ighalo's signing permanent in the summer

MANCHESTER United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed that there is a possibility of the club retaining the services of Nigerian striker Odion Ighalo when his six month contract with the side ends at the end of the season.

Ighalo, 30, was a deadline day signing for Manchester United, secured on loan from Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua until the end of the season. Due to a combination of issues including getting him back to fitness and ensuring he was not affected by the coronavirus, Ighalo had not started any game since his arrival on January 31 until February 27.

Starting in place of French striker Anthony Martial who is nursing an injury, Ighalo marked his first start with a goal, scoring United's second in the game in the 34th minute. After the Reds had gone one up through a penalty in the 27th minute, 11minutes before halftime, Ighalo showed his predatory instincts, spinning quickly and getting in front of his marker to slot the ball home after receiving a pass from Juan Mata.

Impressed with Ighalo's performance, Solskjaer said there is every chance that the striker will be offered a permanent deal at the club. Speaking ahead of their FA Cup fifth-round clash against Derby County, Solskjaer hailed Ighalo as a breath of fresh air.

Solskjaer added: “We might get to the summer and think we want to extend this, who knows? He’s come in as a breath of fresh air as well.

"He had chances in his five minutes against Chelsea, he scored against Bruges, he had chances against Watford and he had a very good save from a shot against Everton. There have been good saves, he doesn’t miss the target very often.”