Owen Hargreaves backs Manchester United to sign Odion Ighalo permanently

Speaking on talkSPORT (h/t Express), former Manchester United star Owen Hargreaves has claimed that he would be surprised if the club doesn’t sign on-loan striker Odion Ighalo on a permanent basis.

Ighalo arrived as a shock loan signing on the deadline day in the winter transfer window. Having arrived from Shanghai Shenhua on a temporary basis, the Nigerian has surpassed expectations in his short time at Old Trafford.

The 30-year-old netted 4 goals in 8 matches across all competitions before the season suspension. This had led to manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer claiming that the club are open to signing Ighalo permanently.

However, there have been speculations over his future, as Shanghai Shenhua are keen to have him back next month before the Chinese Super League kicks off. Although the Chinese outfit would consider selling him for a fee of £20m. (h/t ESPN)

And Hargreaves has backed Manchester United to sign him permanently, claiming that he’d be surprised if the Nigerian left. (h/t Express)

“He’s been good, really good. I’m sure they’ll try, if it’s sensible, keep him longer. I’d be surprised if he left.”

The former Manchester United star also lavished plenty of praise on the Nigerian, claiming that he brings a different flavour to the side with his ability to play with his back facing the goal. (h/t Express)

More Manchester United News

• Julian Laurens backs United to have a cautious transfer window
• Manchester United suffer a setback in Jonathan David pursuit
• Bayern Munich enquire about key Manchester United target Jadon Sancho

Ighalo’s contract with Shanghai Shenhua expires in 2021. However, the CSL outfit have offered him a two-year extension worth £400,000-a-week. Only time will tell if he becomes a permanent Manchester United player.