“I Was Going Mental” – Odion Ighalo Picks Most Memorable Manchester United Moment

The former Super Eagles star has enjoyed a fairy tale spell since his return to England at the start of the year

Nigerian forward Odion Ighalo has picked the moment Manchester United scored their second goal in the derby win over Manchester City at Old Trafford back in March as the highlight of his time with the Red Devils.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side forced a 2-0 defeat down the throat of their bitter city rivals thanks to goals from Anthony Martial and Scott McTominay, in what is to date the last Old Trafford game with supporters in attendance.

Ighalo started on the bench on that day and was introduced into the encounter in the 88th-minute. However, he still played a key role as United outthought and outfought Pep Guardiola’s charges.

The ex-Watford ace’s job was to help his side see out their 1-0 lead given to them by a first-half Martial strike.

But he did more than that – contributing to Scott McTominay’s strike in injury-time to clinch a famous victory for the Red Devils.

And despite being the first Nigerian to feature for the United, and winning the club’s March Goal-of-the-Month award for his sparkling effort against LASK in the Europa League, Ighalo insists no moment can rival what he felt when McTominay’s strike hit the City net.

“That was electrifying! That was crazyy!” Ighalo told the club’s website.

“I’ve never seen an atmosphere like that before, the atmosphere that day was crazy in Old Trafford.

“When I sat down on the bench, I was watching the crowd, and I was like ‘wow, this is different level’.

“Being on that pitch when we scored the second goal, I was going mental. I was jumping like I was the one who scored the goal! I did not score in the game, but I was happy because the atmosphere was crazy.

“That was one of the biggest games: it’s a derby game, and the fans were pleased, they were happy. That was one of the best moments in Old Trafford, for me.”

Ighalo, 31, will see his contract at United expire at the end of January 2021. The former Nigerian international has made four first-team appearances this campaign, to add to his 19 from 2019/20.