Ex-international Fatai Amoo is hoping that the new Man United signing will be an instant hit at Old Trafford to meet the expectations of millions of fans back home.
The former Shooting Stars of Ibadan coach has expressed the belief that Odion Ighalo’s success with the Red Devils will open the doors for more Nigerians to have their dreams fulfilled at the Theatre of Dreams.
Ighalo became the first-ever Nigerian to sign for Manchester United when he completed a sensational deadline day move in January.
The retired Super Eagles forward only signed a six-month loan deal with the 30-year-old unlikely to be a long-term solution to the club’s striking issues.
Ighalo is expected to provide another attacking option for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side until England international Marcus Rashford returns from his lengthy lay-off with a back injury.
However, the 2019 African Cup of Nations highest goalscorer – who left Watford three years ago – has a decent record in England having netted 33 times in 83 appearances for the Hornets.
Ighalo’s former coach at Julius Berger, Amoo, is hoping the striker finds his scoring range soon and ease United’s troubles as that can positively impact football in the country.
“It will be good for Nigeria football if he succeeds in Manchester United. You know Wilfred Ndidi, Kelechi Iheanacho, Alex Iwobi all doing well in England and Nigerians are always excited, happy when they play well for their clubs in Europe,” coach Amoo told TribalFootball.
“So if Odion becomes the answers to some of the goalscoring problems of Man Utd as highlighted by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, of course, Nigerians will be very happy.
“There are many Manchester United fans here in Nigeria. It will definitely bring many positives to Nigeria football, and Manchester United can also look further towards the direction of having more Nigerian players to sign for the club.
“That is my prayer and the prayer of many Nigerians that he should succeed and open the doors for more Nigerians to play for Manchester United.”
Ighalo is in line to make his Red Devils debut when Chelsea and Manchester United return to Premier League action in a mammoth clash at Stamford Bridge on Monday night.