Odion Ighalo-style short-term loan being considered by Manchester United to replace Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo
Manchester United are considering an Odion Ighalo-style short-term loan deal to offset the departure of Portugal international Cristiano Ronaldo, according to The Daily Mail (h/t Metro).
The 37-year-old’s contract with the Red Devils was terminated by mutual consent after his interview with Piers Morgan. In the conversation with the British broadcaster, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner criticised the club and the manager.
With Ronaldo’s exit Erik ten Hag is now light on options up front. Thus, the Old Trafford side are contemplating whether to go all out in January or wait for the summer and sign a stop-gap in the meantime.
Initially, United wanted to wait for the summer of 2022 to bring in a quality forward. However, the 37-year-old parting ways with the club earlier than expected has thrown a wrench in the works.
While the Red Devils realise they need to add reinforcements to the forward line, they are also aware of the difficulty the winter window can impose. Thus, signing someone on a temporary basis is also being evaluated.
The Old Trafford side opted for a similar strategy when they signed Odion Ighalo from Shanghai Shenhua in January 2020 and left in the winter window of 2021. The Nigeria international featured 23 times for the Manchester-based club in all competitions, scoring five goals and providing an assist.
Erik ten Hag now has Anthony Martial as the lone striker in the squad Marcus Rashford has also been deployed as the number nine. However, the 25-year-old is a natural winger.
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It would be wise for United to bring a quality attacker immediately as the upcoming transfer window opens. The club should only consider a short-term loan option as a last resort if they are unable to make a deal happen for a marquee signing.
