The Arsenal hero is backing his fellow countryman to deliver the goods for the Red Devils. Two-time African Footballer of the Year Nwankwo Kanu believes Odion Ighalo can be a success at Old Trafford once his teammates provide him with the necessary assists.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer brought in the Shanghai Shenhua striker on a loan deal till the end of the season after United’s star man Marcos Rashford suffered a severe injury.
Man United sanctioned the summer exit of attackers Alexis Sanchez and Romelu Lukaku without bringing in any notable replacements, a situation that left the 20-time English champions short of options in attack.
Ighalo is, however, expected to shoulder some of the goalscoring burdens as the Red Devils chase a UEFA Champions League top four spot while aiming for silverware in the Europa League.
A few have questioned the former Watford striker’s ability to perform at the highest level, but Kanu is confident that Ighalo will turn chances to goals with the help of his teammates.
“Yes, he can replace him (Lukaku),” Kanu told Goal.
“If you watch him play, you’d find out that he is strong and can score goals.
“What he needs is the service. In this team, I am sure his game will improve because the team has great players.
“Despite playing in the Chinese league, Ighalo is not a player you would look down on and say he is not a good player.
“I believe in him, and I know he can deliver if given the chance. Bringing him to Old Trafford means that those in the club believe in his ability, and we have to respect that.
“I don’t think he will not disappoint because he will give them value for their money.”
The 30-year-old will likely get his first chance to impress the Old Trafford faithful when United visit Chelsea in a Premier League tie on Monday night.