English Premier League giant, Manchester United have said they are not losing sleep over the return of former Nigeria’s Super Eagles striker, Odion Ighalo to his Chinese parent club, Shanghai Shenhua with his loan deal set to run out in the next nine days.
The former Watford player, who joined the Old Trafford side in January transfer window to provide cover for the injured Marcus Rashford, is set to return to China following the recovery of the England star.
Manchester United had wanted to extend the loan deal of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations top scorer beyond May rather than offering him a permanent deal because of the financial predicament, but Shanghai Shenhua want their number nine back in China ahead of the resumption of the Chinese Super League.
Commenting on Ighalo’s future, Sky Sports pundit James Cooper said : “As far as Ighalo goes, I think there is a relaxed mood from Manchester United.
“The facts of the matter are that his contract comes to end next Friday, May 31.
“There is a will from Manchester United to keep the player, I think equally Shanghai Shenhua would like the player back in China playing for them.
“The relaxed attitude that comes from Manchester United, is that Marcus Rashford is now fit and so there is less need for Ighalo.
“But I think all things being equal United would like to keep him.”
Ighalo was in red-hot form before football activities were halted in England, netting four goal in eight matches while providing an assist.
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
