Nigerian forward Odion Ighalo is fast becoming a fans' favourite at the Old Trafford, and the agent of the former Lyn Oslo star is convinced that the striker deserves to be living his dream.
Patrick Bastianelli has expressed the belief that the many sacrifices Ighalo has made across his career, especially during his European sojourn, earned him the chance to play for Manchester United.
Ighalo arrived in Europe in 2007 after spending time in the local league with Prime FC and Julius Berger.
The following decade saw him wear the colours of Lyn Oslo (Norway), Udinese (Italy), Cesena, and Granada (Spain) before finding some success in England with Watford.
His impressive displays with the Hornets helped the club earn promotion to the Premier League, and he went on to score 33 league goals in 82 appearances before leaving for China in 2017.
A sensational deadline day deal, however, saw the 30-year-old return to England in January to join Man United.
It's an incredible turn of event for the former Super Eagles goal-king who grew up supporting the Red Devils.
While many critics questioned the ability of the Nigerian to fit in at United, Ighalo has silenced his doubters by showing his quality at every turn and with every touch.
Ighalo has scored four goals in eight appearances for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side, and his agent Bastianelli believes he deserves to be fulfilling his long-term dream to play for United.
“Odion is reaping what he deserves after many sacrifices, after many years around Europe,” Bastianelli told TuttoSport, per Sport Witness.
“Manchester is a prize for everything he’s shown in recent years.
“It’s part of his character, of his great seriousness. He scored many goals.
“He always has a positive attitude. Odion is a person who always looks ahead, always in a positive way.”
Ighalo and United will hope to be back in Premier League action on April 3 when the league resumes from its coronavirus-induced break.
