Former Nigeria international Odion Ighalo insist that playing for Manchester United remains a great privilege, despite struggling towards the end of his loan spell at Old Trafford.
Ighalo, whose fondness for the Premier League club, plunged him into taking a pay cut to materialize his “dream” Manchester United move in January 2020.
The 31-year-old started his United career on a bright note, as he became the second player in United history to score in each of his first four competitive starts for the Red Devils since Jimmy Hanson in 1925.
However, the striker soon lost touch of his brilliant form shortly after the sport returned from suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
While disclosing his intention to still be involved in the round leather game after retirement, Ighalo relished his Manchester United days, claiming the move has raised his profile.
“I’d love to still be involved in football, maybe an agent or a coach but let’s see what happens,” Ighalo told Sky Sports.
“I’m very proud because playing for Manchester United has raised my profile and people are now talking about me more,” he continued.
“Going back to Nigeria, people still want Manchester United jerseys today, even though I am not playing for Manchester United anymore”.
Ighalo made 23 appearances for United across all competitions and scored five times; including a half-volley in a 5–0 win over LASK which won Manchester United’s goal of the month for March.
The former Julius Berger of Lagos player became the first Nigerian to feature for Manchester United when he joined the side in January 2020 on loan from Shanghai Shenhua and revealed he enjoyed the opportunity he was given at the club.
Ighalo currently plays in the Saudi Professional League for Al Shabab.
