A former Super Eagles midfielder Garba Lawal has expressed his delight at seeing his countryman move to one of the world’s biggest sides, but he has warned of the challenges ahead.
Odion Ighalo became the first Nigerian to sign for the Red Devils when he completed a shock deadline day switch from Chinese club, Shanghai Shenhua.
Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was forced into the transfer market after seeing star player and England international Marcos Rashford suffer a long term injury.
Instead of the more celebrated stars like PSG’s Edison Cavani and Bournemouth’s Josh King, Manchester United stunningly settled for the services of former Watford star Ighalo, who was plying his trade in the Chinese Super League.
Many have criticized the unexpected move, but Lawal is confident that the 30-year-old striker can cope with the extra pressure of playing for the Old Trafford giants.
The Nigeria legend is firm in his belief that despite the enormous challenge in front of the target man, he can become a big hit once again in the Premier League.
“I want to say congratulation to him and there will be more challenges for him now week-in week-out because Manchester United is not Watford,” Lawal told Goal.
“The expectation from Manchester United will be much higher than Watford. It will be massive. It’s not going to be easy.
“He has to prepare very well. The club will be expecting 100% from him which I believe he is capable of doing.
“I don’t think he will have a problem to settle quickly in the Premier League because he is a professional and has experience playing in England,” he added
Ighalo has previous Premier League experience, having featured for Watford between 2015 and 2017, scoring 33 goals in 82 league appearances.
