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
https://twitter.com/itsWaddles_/status/1236735115318964228
https://twitter.com/Nick1sTheName/status/1236733272236965888
https://twitter.com/parkes_richard/status/1236736335488131075
https://twitter.com/ManLikeAnthony1/status/1236734321320497156
https://twitter.com/Irez_247/status/1236735078228729856
https://twitter.com/BenRoseMUFC/status/1236733184093585410
Wonderful hold up play. Contributed to the second goal! He's such an amazing alternative.
— Kanu Samuel (@iamkanusamuel) March 8, 2020
https://twitter.com/DazzaUtd/status/1236733860014108679
https://twitter.com/urbansk1/status/1236733804997496833
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.