In what is dubbed a panic buy, Manchester United acquired the services of Nigerian striker Odion Ighalo on transfer deadline day and Benedict Ngwenya tells us why this is a smart move.
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1. He understands the Premier League
The 30-year-old played in the league for three years for Watford before deciding to move over to China. Over the years we have seen some top players failing or taking a long time to adapt to the most competitive league in the world. The Nigerian netted 15 league goals in the 2015/15 campaign which was his debut season.
2. He is a Manchester United fan
Everyone knows by now that he has always been a die-hard Red Devil and he will cherish this loan spell with the Mancunian club. He took a pay cut to don the famous shirt and the excitement he gets from realizing his childhood dream will motivate him to give 100% every time he steps onto the field of play.
3. He suits the Man United system
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team has quick wingers and all they needed was a proper number nine (out and out striker) to give their attack a focal point. We’ve seen Ighalo play as Troy Deeney’s strike partner in a 4-4-2 formation at Watford and operate as a lone striker for Nigeria in last year’s Africa Cup of Nations where he ended up being the tournament’s top scorer. However you want to play you’ve got a good goal poacher to spearhead your attack.
4. He is experienced
He has played in different leagues including the Italian Seria A and Spanish La Liga which makes him a seasoned campaigner. This is a good acquisition for a quick fix solution and I’ve got a feeling that he might get a one-year extension if he delivers.
5. He is underrated
No one is giving him a chance to shine at one of the biggest football clubs in the world and that will take pressure off him.
Written by Benedict Ngwenya for Hollywoodbets
