Man United’s Odion Ighalo Reveals Wembley Disappointment, FA Cup Dream

The deadline day signing has vowed to help the Red Devils to FA Cup glory to ease the pain he felt the first and only time he played at Wembley.

On-loan striker Odion Ighalo scored a brace to lift Manchester United past Derby County in a 3-0 win at the Pride Park on Wednesday. The victory sees Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men ease into the quarterfinals of the FA Cup.

United next face Norwich City at the Carrow Road with victory over the Canaries guaranteeing passage to the semifinals of the world’s oldest club competition and a chance to play at Wembley.

Ighalo has only ever played once at the famous stadium – a 2016 semi-final defeat to Crystal Palace in the colours of Watford.

Man United won the tournament that year, with Ighalo missing the opportunity to face his dream club in the final.

That heartbreak may turn to joy this year with the 2019 AFCON highest goalscorer delighted to be presented with the chance to go all the way with United.

“That was my first time playing in Wembley, it was a great experience,” Ighalo told the club’s official website.

“United got to the final that year. I remember because I was hoping we (Watford) would win against Crystal Palace so we could play against Man United in the final.

“That dream did not come to pass, but it’s a great experience, you know.

“Playing in Wembley, not every player has the opportunity to play in Wembley in their career. You have to play in a cup game, a cup final, or play for the national team to play there.

“I had the opportunity to play for Watford there in the semi-final, so it was a great experience, and I’m looking forward, hopefully, to be playing there again.”

“So it’s a great thing watching it and now playing in the FA Cup, which I did with Watford, but now, hopefully, I want to try to go far and win it, if possible for me, to crown my success here with the team.”