The on-loan Shanghai Shenhua striker was introduced in the closing stages of Man United’s 2-0 victory at the Stamford Bridge to become the first Nigerian to play for the Red Devils.
Odion Ighalo kicked off his Manchester United career with a victory as he made his debut in their 2-0 away win against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in Monday’s Premier League game.
A proud moment for @IghaloJude ♥️#MUFC pic.twitter.com/aCEgr4ziKg
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 17, 2020
The former Super Eagles forward replaced first goalscorer Anthony Martial in the 90th minute, to become the 200th player to feature for United in the Premier League.
Odion Ighalo became the 2⃣0⃣0⃣th player to feature in the #PL for @ManUtd, and the first Nigerian 🇳🇬#CHEMUN pic.twitter.com/w7vZarUNEF
— Premier League (@premierleague) February 18, 2020
Two goals in either half from Martial and Harry Maguire earned Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men their third win against Chelsea this season. United had already beaten Frank Lampard’s side 4-0 in their league game and 2-1 in the Carabao Cup.
Ighalo delivered a lively performance within the short time he was on the pitch, managing as many shots on target (one shot) as the entire Chelsea team combined.
The 30-year-old almost capped his debut with a goal after he was played through on goal but saw his effort saved by Willy Caballero in goal for Chelsea.
Fans went wild on Twitter for the Nigerian who could have had the perfect dream debut if he had scored.
Ighalo
5 mins Played
5 touches
2 dribbles
1 shot on target
Man of the Match by a mileIghalo > Martial
— Tosin AKINGBA™ (@venusakingba) February 17, 2020
https://twitter.com/TheManUtdWay/status/1229526396155895808
https://twitter.com/UtdJL/status/1229524794275659776
https://twitter.com/viccetti/status/1229525191119843329
Ighalo man of the match if we are being real
— Imoh (@ImohUmoren) February 17, 2020
Man United have won 100% of matches Ighalo has played in.
Man United have kept a clean sheet in 100% of games Ighalo has played in.
Ighalo FC: We eating jollof!
— Ovie (@OvieO) February 17, 2020
https://twitter.com/ObongRoviel/status/1229524281773699072
Odion Ighalo is now only three goals behind Alexis Sanchez in Man Utd's all time top scorer list.
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) February 17, 2020
Odion Ighalo is a Man Utd player. What a moment 🙏🏾🇳🇬
— Ebuka Obi-Uchendu (@Ebuka) February 17, 2020
If Ighalo scored that chance ehn… the whole Nigeria go scatter. Even Chelsea fans go celebrate. #CHEMUN pic.twitter.com/qW43HeBEXe
— Laolao (@itz_laolao) February 17, 2020
https://twitter.com/RiZzyUTD/status/1229525046441467905
3 points, clean sheet, Bruno Fernandes‘ first assist for United. If Odion Ighalo scores that chance at the end then I would’ve tattooed his name on my head.
A good night all round. #UTFR. 🔴
— 🇾🇪🔰 (@Retro_Utd) February 17, 2020
The win took United to seventh on 38 points, just two points behind Chelsea, who are fourth in the league table.
The Red Devils next turn their attentions to a Europa League clash on Thursday against Club Brugge, a match which could see Ighalo earn his first start for the club.
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