The Nigeria international has impressed since he joined Manchester United on loan from Shanghai Shenhua on the last day of January.
Former Arsenal star, Paul Merson, has urged Manchester United to carefully consider their decision on Odion Ighalo’s future at the club.
Ighalo joined the Red Devils on a loan deal that keeps him at the club till the end of the season. But following an impressive start to his United career, there have been reports that he is set for a permanent deal.
The 30-year-old has four goals in eight appearances for the Red Devils and has become a fans favourite despite doubts over his ability when he arrived.
While United are considering offering him a new deal, there are also reports that his parent club, Shanghai Shenhua are eager to give him a two-year contract extension worth ₦182m per week.
But former Arsenal star, Paul Merson believes it is hard to see Ighalo walking away from Man Utd given it is his dream to play for the club.
However, he warned the club to consider carefully before signing the former Nigeria international on a permanent deal.
“It’s a hard decision Manchester United have to make regarding his future because if you give him a contract, can he perform again that next season,? Merson told Skysports.
When you go to a club on loan you’ve got that hunger of wanting to secure a permanent move, prove everybody inside the club right and everybody outside the club wrong. All of a sudden, you give someone a contract, and they think they’ve done all the hard work.
You’ve only got to look at his time at Watford. He looked a world-beater but then next minute he couldn’t score a goal for toffee. But if you are going on the form he’s showed since coming to the club in January it’s going to be hard to get rid of him.
And don’t worry about the new mega-money offers in China.
He’s said all the right things since joining Manchester United. He’s turned around enough times and said he’s dreamed of playing for United, so if they do offer him a permanent deal, I can’t see him turning it down.
Everything’s gone right for him so far, and if United do offer him a chance to stay, I’d be shocked if he walked away.
