The on-loan Nigerian forward was afforded just eight minutes in United’s 2-0 defeat of their neighbours, but he still did enough to convince fans that he’s the real deal.
Odion Ighalo is fast becoming the cult hero at Old Trafford after yet another impressive display in the Manchester derby on Sunday.
Goals from Frenchman Anthony Martial and local boy Scott McTominay helped Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men complete a rare league double over the champions and earned them this season’s bragging rights.
Yet it was Ighalo, introduced in the 88th minute for Bruno Fernandes with scores still at one-nil, who the United fans were singing his praises.
With Pep Guardiola’s men desperate in search of an equalizer, the 30-year-old superbly held the ball well up front for the hosts, was neat with his first touch and inspired the momentum from which United grabbed their second goal in the 95th minute.
United fans have seen more to be delighted about Ighalo than just his three goals in two starts, with one calling for his temporary contract be made permanent.
https://twitter.com/BothaSean/status/1236733832537276416
Permanent deal is a must.
— Vorapone (@vorapone) March 8, 2020
he has the composure i wish lukaku had when he played for us
— Waddles (@itsWaddles_) March 8, 2020
https://twitter.com/Nick1sTheName/status/1236733272236965888
Probably won't score as many as Lukaku did, but his first touch is 10 times better & that's the noticeable difference! 🤷♂️
— Richard Parkes (@parkes_richard) March 8, 2020
He was quality when he came on
— ™️ (@MLAnthonyy) March 8, 2020
Best January transfer!
Bruno Fernandes vision and Ighalo's hold up play is such a beauty ✔️
So beautiful. Beautiful players😭#MUFC #MUNMCI
— ~United4Ever~ (@Irez_247) March 8, 2020
Deserves a lot of credit for everything he done when he came on – was absolutely superb.
— Ben 🇶🇦 (@BenRoseMUFC) March 8, 2020
Wonderful hold up play. Contributed to the second goal! He's such an amazing alternative.
— Kanu Samuel (@iamkanusamuel) March 8, 2020
His hold up play for the 2nd 😍
— Darragh (@Darraghv99) March 8, 2020
@IghaloJude did an amazing job just before the goal. Holding that ball was pure experience and strength. Well done! 👏🏼
— Konrad (@urbansk1) March 8, 2020
The stunning victory lifts the Red Devils to fifth on the Premier League table, with the team still in the hunt for the FA Cup and Europa League title.
