Former Chelsea striker Jimmy Hasselbaink has voiced his support for those criticising Manchester United’s move for new boy Odion Ighalo.
The ex-Super Eagle completed a shock loan switch to the Theatre of Dreams on transfer deadline day from Shanghai Shenhua.
The 30-year-old is expected to provide attacking options for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side in the absence of injured England international Marcos Rashford.
The signing of the former Watford striker divided Manchester United’s fan base, with many criticising the move. Neil Warnock, a former Crystal Palace manager, also suggested that United swooped for the former Granada man out of desperation.
Two-time Premier League Golden Boot winner, Hasselbaink, echoed Warnock’s comments, although he hailed Ighalo’s good fortune.
The former Chelsea striker says the move shows that United are far behind Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea.
“He must be the luckiest man! Going to China, being away from Europe nobody seeing him for two and a half years since he was at Watford and then getting a loan move at United,” Hasselbaink was quoted by Metro.
“Wow. That doesn’t happen! It says how far behind United are from Liverpool, Manchester City and even Chelsea. They have got a big job ahead.
“They needed somebody in. I think he was not their number one and I would be surprised if he was their number two or three as well.
“He is getting an opportunity, and he will definitely get minutes, and we will see if he can do it.”
Ighalo arrived at Manchester on Sunday, and he will hope to make his debut when Manchester United take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in a fortnight.
