Odion Ighalo Set To Play Key Role For Manchester United
Published: June 24, 2020Odion Ighalo is likely to be handed the chance to boost Manchester United's European qualification hopes during the final weeks of the season.
The Nigerian forward could be utilised as United's super-sub when games continue to come thick and fast during the Premier League restart.
The Red Devils are still in the hunt for a top-four finish and Champions League qualification. If Manchester City's European ban is upheld, then even a fifth-place finish would be enough.
It means United and Ighalo have plenty to play for as the campaign draws to a close, and they could be a team to follow as their current odds look tempting around 6/4 to secure a place in the top-four.
This is where Ighalo will come in. He can boost for the Norwegian manager's options, especially with more substitutions being allowed.
"We've had time out so I don't think we can expect that those lads who've missed lots of the football can last the full game. But now the rules have changed, we can use five subs and have nine on the bench," Solskjaer told the club's official website.
"I think that's helpful because footballers, after being out for so long, going into competitive games will be a challenge for them and we have to look after them injury-wise and fitness-wise.
Ighalo will get the opportunity to shine
He has netted four times in eight appearances for the club, which led to United extending his loan stay from Chinese parent club Shanghai Shenhua until the end of the season.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
The Nigerian forward could be utilised as United's super-sub when games continue to come thick and fast during the Premier League restart.
The Red Devils are still in the hunt for a top-four finish and Champions League qualification. If Manchester City's European ban is upheld, then even a fifth-place finish would be enough.
It means United and Ighalo have plenty to play for as the campaign draws to a close, and they could be a team to follow as their current odds look tempting around 6/4 to secure a place in the top-four.
If you fancy them to finish the season well, there are some great free bet offers by UK bookies that you could use to boost your bets.
If they are to end the season on a high note, Ighalo might just prove vital to their chances.
Squad rotation key for Solskjaer
With two games a week until the end of July, Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has underlined the need for squad rotation.
This is where Ighalo will come in. He can boost for the Norwegian manager's options, especially with more substitutions being allowed.
"We've had time out so I don't think we can expect that those lads who've missed lots of the football can last the full game. But now the rules have changed, we can use five subs and have nine on the bench," Solskjaer told the club's official website.
"I think that's helpful because footballers, after being out for so long, going into competitive games will be a challenge for them and we have to look after them injury-wise and fitness-wise.
"We can't just flog one player and say to them, 'you play every game and every minute' because it might be a period when we have to rotate quite often."
Despite having to offer backup to Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford since his arrival at Old Trafford, Ighalo has still been used by Solskjaer.
He has netted four times in eight appearances for the club, which led to United extending his loan stay from Chinese parent club Shanghai Shenhua until the end of the season.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
Latest News
- 'I accepted half of my salary I earned in Nigeria' - Rohr insists he's not in Benin for the money
- Meet Chioma Okafor: University of Connecticut's Malawian-born forward eligible to represent Nigeria
- Nigeria's Future Eagles coach reacts to Arsenal midfielder Emerson Nwaneri's England U15 call-up
- 'Even if Osimhen doesn't stay' - Turkish football expert claims Galatasaray are eyeing Liverpool star
- Bayer Leverkusen's Nigeria international Victor Boniface a transfer target for Manchester United
- Former Leeds United striker slams Rangers boss over Dessers early substitution against Dundee United
- 'He's different' - Racing Genk captain weighs in on Arokodare and Onuachu comparisons
- 'He can be really good' - Arsenal defender reveals Nwaneri is the best 17yo he has played with
- 'N132.3b is too much'- Ex-Turkish midfielder admits Galatasaray can't afford to sign Osimhen on full deal
- Chelsea's sister club, FC Dallas, FC Cincinnati, 4 other teams interested in 18yo Nigerian CB
Football News 24/7
News Categories
- Football Betting
- African Players
- Australia/ Asia
- Belgian Championship
- Bundesliga
- Danish Football
- English Premier League
- Nigeria National Teams
- Casinos not on Gamstop
- Nigeria Premier League
- Norwegian Football
- Polish Football
- Russian Championship
- Serie A
- Spanish Liga
- Swedish Championship
- Transfer
- Turkish Championship
- Ukrainian Football
- Uncategorized
- Women's Football
- Jun88