Former West Ham striker Leroy Rosenior has hailed the impact of Odion Ighalo since his shock move to Manchester United in the January transfer window and believes the Nigerian deserves a new contract.

Manchester United were heavily criticized for signing the former Super Eagles star as fans and pundits alike expected the club to make a marquee signing having been linked with PSG's Edinson Cavani and Norwegian teenage sensation Erling Haaland.

In an interview uploaded to Twitter by Front Runner Sports, Rosenior said : "I was in shock when Manchester United went for him in the transfer window because he's in his 30s, he's playing in China. Is he a player that Manchester United the biggest club in the world should be signing?

"But what I think he brought to Manchester United which was lacking was he's absolutely delighted to be there and he's brought a joy to that football club and he's playing like he's a kid again.

"I honestly believe from the performances I have seen that I think they'll be offering him a new contract.

"I don't think he's going to be the answer to Manchester United's center forward problems but what he will be is an experienced member of the squad because I think Manchester United lack experience."

Rosenior likened Ighalo's presence at Old Trafford to that of Chicharito as both strikers were clearly happy to be living their dreams of wearing the Manchester United jersey.

"He'll be someone who loves to be at that football club and he scores goals.

"To have  someone like him at the club reminds me of Manchester United when they had  Chicharito at the club - someone who was delighted to be at the club, someone you knew could score goals. I think that's what Ighalo could take up at Manchester United.

"He's 31 years old, I think he looks fit, he's got another couple of years, so if  they get another striker, I don't think Martial is the long-term answer to Manchester United's striking problems, I think he should be part of the mix as well because he can play in different positions.

"But Ighalo should certainly be a part of that squad. When I watch him play he just  brings a smile to my face, I'm absolutely delighted for him as an individual that he's playing for the club that he's loved all his life".

Ighalo scored 4 goals in eight appearances for Manchester United before football activities were halted in England as a result of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel