Rio Ferdinand is confident that Odion Ighalo will do more than score goals at Manchester United if allowed to stay longer at the club.
The one-time most expensive defender in the world believes that Nigerian forward Ighalo can have a positive impact on the game of the talented youngsters at United, including Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial.
The former Watford striker was brought in on transfer deadline day to act as cover for the injured Rashford.
Despite initial criticisms from different quarters, Ighalo has stepped up to the plate and delivered one excellent performance after another.
The ex-Granada ace has netted two goals each in the FA Cup and the Europa League – added to his fine displays in other Premier League games – to quickly become a fan favourite at Old Trafford.
The return of Rashford from the sidelines could mean the end of Ighalo’s stay at United, but Ferdinand has urged United to keep the Nigerian at the club beyond the summer.
And comparing Ighalo to Swedish legend Henrik Larsson, the former Leeds defender is sure Ighalo’s experience and style of play are what the likes of Rashford and Martial can benefit from.
“Rashford, when he’s fit, will appreciate playing with someone like this,’ Ferdinand was quoted as saying by Metro.
“He can have the impact on the Rashfords, on the Martials, on Daniel James etc. that someone like Henrik Larsson can have on the likes of [Wayne] Rooney and [Louis] Saha when he was there.
“That little bit of experience. ‘He’s got something that’s different to all the other guys in the team, and you need that sometimes”.