The Nigerian forward has made an immediate impact at Manchester United, forcing one of his major critics to eat his words.
Former Manchester United striker, Dimitar Berbatov, has revealed he doubted the ability of Odion Ighalo to fit in at Old Trafford.
However, he is delighted to see the former Watford striker proving all doubters wrong.
Ighalo was a surprise deadline day transfer for United after the club failed in their reported pursuit of other top targets.
The 30-year-old enjoyed an up-and-down spell at Watford before quitting the Premier League for the assumed comfort of the Chinese Super League three years ago.
It then came as a shock when United decided to bring the retired Super Eagles ace back to England, albeit as a temporary cover for the injured Marcus Rashford.
Many in the football circle were not convinced by United’s transfer decision, with some suggesting Ighalo’s arrival was an act of desperation.
But the on-loan striker has looked sharp whenever he’s on the pitch and has banged in three goals in six matches.
He is making such an immediate impact and has won over some of his earlier critics with Berbatov happy to indict himself.
The Bulgarian has been impressed with the Nigerian’s style of play, his physical presence in the box, and the way he bullies opposing defenders.
“I’m really happy to see that Odion Ighalo is settling in well, and he deserves it with the way he is playing, how he links the plays, and the goals he is scoring,” he told Betfair.
“I’ll be honest, I didn’t know too much about him before he joined, obviously I knew about his record in the Premier League, but I questioned if he was the right man and if he would get into the team, but so far he is doing well and proving me wrong.
“When you need to play more direct in a game, you need a presence in the box, a guy who knows how to get onto the end of a ball, bully the defenders and win the ball.
“Ighalo can do that, but he can also play, is technically good as well, he can keep the ball and give it to his teammates and get into the box, that’s why I like him.
“He doesn’t just stay in the box and try to head the ball. He is linking really well with others, and that shows in the team’s performance when he is involved.”
This post was last modified on March 8, 2020 11:35 am
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Odion Jude Ighalo makes me feel happy, he makes me waoooooooo and am proud to be a Nigeria, and Manchester United, so as things stands now Ighalo wil still meet up to my 8-goals this season. Glory Glory' Manchester United .