Ighalo Could Start Against Former Club But Conditions Are Attached

Manchester United host Watford on Sunday in the Premier League and that could see Odion Ighalo reunite against his former club.

The former Nigeria international played for three years with the Hornets, scoring 40 goals in 100 appearances before signing for Shanghai Shenhua in January 2017.

He made a return to the English top-flight in a loan deal that will see him stay at Old Trafford until the end of the season.

The 30-year-old made his debut for the Red Devils in the win over Chelsea on Monday night, while he also made his Europa League debut in the draw against Club Brugge.

Both appearances were off the bench, but the former Super Eagles star could be in line to lead the attack against Watford on Sunday.

Speaking in his pre-match conference for the game, Manchester United manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hinted Ighalo could be handed a start against his former employers, but that depends on the fitness level of Mason Greenwood and Anthony Martial.

Greenwood missed the draw against Club Brugge, and it is not known yet if he would have recovered by Sunday.

“Everyone says that [players raise their game] against their old team when they score, but there are also many games when you don’t score,” Ole said in quotes obtained from United’s website. 

“Odion is getting more and more minutes, but [whether he starts] depends on Mason as well of course, and how Anthony [Martial] is [after playing on Thursday].”

Ighalo revealed he’s still settling in at Manchester United, but he will be eager to put one past his former employers on Sunday.