The Nigerian striker has only seen eight minutes of Premier League action this term but is looking to add to that this weekend with other United strikers set to miss out on the trip to Newcastle
Manchester United will be without the services of Anthony Martial and new signing Edinson Cavani when the Red Devils square up against Newcastle at the St. James’ Park on Sunday.
With Ole Gunnar Solskjaer short on attacking options, the way is paved for Nigerian forward Odion Ighalo to earn significant minutes and boost United’s chances of picking up just their second victory of the season.
Ighalo, who retired from the Super Eagles last year, was not part of the Nigerian squad that lost to Algeria and drew with Tunisia in Austria a few days ago.
And the on-loan Shanghai Shenhua forward insists he has spent the international getting ready to seize his chance when it comes.
“I’m always ready. Whenever the gaffer calls me, my idea is just to give my best in training, work hard and wait for my opportunity – to take it,” Ighalo told the club’s website.
“Hopefully, I’ll just keep my head down, keep working hard every day. Come to the training ground every day and give it my best.
“Whenever the gaffer needs me, I will come and give my best.”
United suffered a heavy 6-1 defeat at home to Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham before the break, and the Red Devils would be keen on getting back to winning ways against Steve Bruce’s stubborn outfit.
Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood, and Ighalo are the only available senior strikers for United with Martial suspended, and Cavani still not eligible to play.
Ighalo, though, is yet to score in the Premier League for United since joining on loan during the January transfer window.