Former Manchester United Star Advices Odion Ighalo

United agreed a deal with Shanghai Shenhua to extend Igahalo’s loan deal till the end of January 2021, but a former player at Old Trafford has urged the Nigerian to aim for more

Former Manchester United forward, Dimitar Berbatov, has challenged Odion Ighalo to do more and earn a permanent deal at Old Trafford.

Ighalo joined United from Shanghai Shenhua in an initial loan deal that was supposed to keep him at the club till the season ends.

But with the Premier League, Europa League and Champions League currently suspended due to the coronavirus, United have agreed a deal with Ighalo’s parent club to extend his loan deal for another seven months.

Following the announcement, Berbatov revealed it’s excellent news for the club and player, but urged Ighalo to work harder, and earn a permanent deal.

Before the 2019/2020 was suspended, Ighalo was in a good run of form having scored four goals in his first eight appearances for the club.

While Berbatov is impressed with the way Ighalo has settled in, the former Spurs man urged him to keep improving and show the club why he should be offered a permanent deal.

“It is great news, for club and player, United have extended the loan of Odion Ighalo. The way he linked with the other players, his interaction with the team and everything he did was top quality for the time he was given to play,” Berbatov told Betfair via MEN.

“Now, Ighalo has a massive challenge ahead of him to prove that it was the right decision from the club. Now that he’s staying until January 2021, why not go out there and show the club why he should stay for even longer?

“Why not fight for a permanent contract? He’s a great boost for the team, and it puts United in a strong position.”

Ighalo will get the chance to prove himself more when the Premier League resume from its break later this month.