The Nigerian made his debut in the closing stages of Manchester United’s win over Chelsea, but it could have been a memorable one had he taken the chance he had in the game.
Odion Ighalo was brought on three minutes from time in the Red Devils win over Lampard’s men, and he could have had a dream start, but he was denied by Willy Caballero.
The former Watford striker was played through on goal by Fred, but his left-footed strike was saved by Caballero’s legs.
United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says it was disappointing Ighalo was denied but insists he will be more clinical next time.
Speaking ahead of United’s Europa League last 32 clash against Club Brugge, Solskjaer said the 30-year-old would get better with time. The former Cardiff manager also revealed Ighalo offers something different in United’s attack.
“Unfortunately he didn’t score against Chelsea, he had a good chance, that would have been a good start, but I’m sure he will take his chances.”
“Well for me Odion is a different type of striker for us,” the former Cardiff manager told reporters in quotes obtained from United’s website. “He’s a box striker, he’s a goalscorer. We’ve already seen in training that he really knows his craft
“He knows how to play as a centre-forward and he’s a fantastic professional, and human being, and he’s already added to the squad. The boys have learned his song already, so they’ve taken to him,” he added.
Ighalo could be in line to make his first start for the club when they take on Brugge at the Jan Breydel Stadium on Thursday night.