Nigeria striker Odion Ighalo has has agreed a loan extension with Manchester United until the end of January 2021, the club has confirmed.
The 30-year-old arrived at Old Trafford in January on a loan deal until the end of the season, with his short-term contract set to expire on May 30.
He was signed to provide Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with cover for the injured Marcus Rashford who was sidelined with a back issue.
Manchester United tweeted on Monday morning: ‘Official announcement on @IghaloJude 🔴#MUFC’
Ighalo’s deal with the Red Devils expired on Sunday and it appeared as though United had failed in a bid to keep the striker at the club.
But the Nigeria international is now staying put after a loan extension agreement was reached with Shanghai Shenhua, keeping him at United until January 31.
Ighalo, who previously played for Premier League side Watford, was impressive in his eight appearances for United, scoring four goals in three starts.
Ighalo’s loan extension means there will be a fight for places up front as well as in midfield, and it is a dilemma Solskjaer is looking forward to having.
“Everyone’s looking sharp, everyone’s been in with a good mood and we’ve been splitting up in groups, so [working in] fours and fives together, and they’ve really done well. So far it’s been good,” Solskjaer told MUTV about the players returning to training.
