Skip to content
Exclusive

Odion Ighalo: Manchester United move a dream come true

Former Watford striker speaks exclusively to Sky Sports News after arrival at Manchester Airport from Shanghai

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Odion Ighalo speaks exclusively to Sky Sports News and says his 'dream' move to Manchester United now 'feels real'

Odion Ighalo has exclusively told Sky Sports News that becoming a Manchester United player is a dream come true.

Ighalo, who will wear former United captain Antonio Valencia's No 25 shirt, sealed a last-gasp Deadline Day loan move to United from Chinese Super League side Shanghai Shenhua.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Take a look at every goal Ighalo scored for Watford in the Premier League

The former Watford striker touched down at Manchester Airport on Sunday morning and said he is relishing the chance to prove himself at Old Trafford.

"It's a dream come true because since I was a kid I followed and dreamt of Manchester United," Ighalo told Sky Sports News.

"But it is a reality now. I cannot say much more now until I get started."

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Ighalo touched down at Manchester Airport on Sunday morning

Reflecting on a hectic last few days before the transfer went through, Ighalo said: "It's been crazy. Obviously, I am happy to be in Manchester first of all.

"This is a great opportunity for me and I am grateful to God, and to my agent, and the coach who has given me this opportunity to be here.

Also See:

"I am happy to be here and to work out with the team and finish very well this season.

"The plan is to just chill today because I travelled a very long way from Shanghai to Manchester.

"Today is to just rest and tomorrow we start to work."

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Charlie Nicholas and Glen Johnson agree United have taken a big gamble by signing Ighalo

Ole: Ighalo will make most of his time here

United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is confident Ighalo will thrive at the club, having scored 16 goals in 55 Premier League games during his time at Watford.

"Odion is an experienced player," Solskjaer said.

"He will come in and give us an option of a different type of centre-forward for the short spell he's staying with us.

"A great lad and very professional, he will make the most of his time here."

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Former United defender Jaap Stam admits he is surprised by Ighalo's move to Old Trafford

Hughes: Ighalo a good fit for Utd

Former United striker Mark Hughes believes Ighalo offers the team something they are desperately lacking at the moment.

"He's the type that United need, whether or not that's a long-term view Ole has in terms of where he wants to take the team," he said.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Paul Merson believes Bruno Fernandes will prove to be a positive signing for United, but says they've taken a risk on Ighalo

"I've watched them on a number of occasions and I always feel they lack that physicality at the top end of the pitch, just to relieve pressure.

"When United won at City and were getting pressed hard, they needed an outlet to knock it up to a big man who could retain possession and resist challenges.

"Without that physicality, sometimes you can't get out."

Soccer Saturday Super 6
Soccer Saturday Super 6

FREE TO PLAY: Do not miss your chance to land the Super 6 jackpot for the sixth time this season.