Solskjaer Clarifies Ighalo’s Contract Situation

The former Super Eagles star’s loan deal expires at the end of May, and there’ve been reports that he’s set for a return to Shanghai Shenhua 

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed the club are trying to keep Odion Ighalo beyond his current deal which expires at the end of this month.

Ighalo joined United from Shanghai Shenhua in a loan deal that was supposed to keep him until the end of the season.

The former Nigeria international started life brilliantly at Old Trafford with four goals in eight appearances, and that made him an instant fans favourite.

However, the coronavirus pandemic has put Premier League football on hold for the last three months, and with Ighalo’s loan set to expire, his future at United remains unclear.

According to reports, Ighalo’s parent club, Shanghai Shenhua have rejected United’s offer to extend the loan deal, and they expect the former Watford man back ahead of the Chinese Super League season which begins in June or July.

But with the Premier League also set to resume next month, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed United are still trying to ensure Ighalo is at the club till the league is concluded.

“The loan deal went until the end of May now, so obviously he’s supposed to be going back,” the boss told United website, in an episode of MUTV Group Chat.

“We’re in dialogue. They’ve been great towards us, his club, and allowed him to play for his dream club.

” It’s been a dream for him, and hopefully he can finish off what he started, hopefully with a trophy for us. At the moment, nothing has been agreed. Their league is going to get started soon, so we’re just waiting to see.”