Ighalo determined to deliver for United
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer recently suggested he wanted a centre-forward who was willing to break his nose to get in where it hurts to score goals.
The boss, a much-feared marksman in his day, snapped up Odion Ighalo from Shanghai Greeland Shenhua in a deadline-day loan deal, and the Nigerian has stressed he will do all he can to provide the qualities Ole is looking for.
A goal on his full debut in the 5-0 win over Club Brugge on Thursday night meant so much to the African attacker and he has quickly made a positive impact at Old Trafford.
When asked if he will do everything to take this chance with both hands, Ighalo replied: “Of course. This is what I am working for. This is what I dream of and what I dreamt of when I was a kid. Now it is in my hands so I have to fight for it. I will give my blood to get it.
“I am still working hard in every training session and doing some extra to make sure I get up to the level. When I’m called upon, I will give my best.”
Ighalo has settled into life in Manchester superbly and could be called upon at Everton on Sunday, with doubts over Anthony Martial's involvement.
"It's been great here," said the Nigerian. "The lads are all great guys. It’s a happy dressing room, the coach and everyone around the club make me feel at home. I’m really enjoying my time here.
“We have quality players in the team. Martial is on fire, scoring goals. Bruno [Fernandes] is doing well, [Daniel] James too, everybody from the goalkeeper to the top is working really hard. So I think this is very good for the team. We need to keep the momentum going and keep winning games and fighting in every match, to make sure we get our objectives at the end of the season."
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Ighalo scored on his Premier League debut at Goodison Park, for Watford, back in 2015 and is hoping for another chance to impress.
"Yes, I scored at Goodison Park," said the 30-year-old. "It was 2-2 and I played my first game in the Premier League – and scored a goal! I was happy.
“If I have the opportunity to go back again there, it will be very good.”
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Morale in the United camp is certainly high on the back of a good run of form; fthe Reds have conceded just one goal in our last seven matches. But similar things could be said about the current mood at Everton, whose season has been transformed since Carlo Ancelotti took charge. The Merseysiders have only lost to Manchester City and Arsenal in the league since early December,
"It’s a tough game," assessed Ighalo. "Every game, from now on, is going to be tough for United because it’s the second half of the season.
“Some teams are fighting to stay in the league, some are fighting to go to the Champions League and some into Europe. Every game is going to be tough from now on. But this team is a big team. We have what it takes to win games, to win games home and away and I’m looking forward to the weekend.”
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