Odion Igahlo is hoping to play his way into rivalry for an extended stay at Manchester United having linked up with the Red Devils on an initial loan agreement.
The Nigerian striker executed a dream swap to the club he supported as a boy on deadline day of the winter transfer window.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was in the market for another frontman and opted to carry the former Watford star back to England from Chinese Super League side Shanghai Shenhua.
Ighalo has a good deal to prove after seeing questions asked of his capacity to make an impact at Old Trafford, however he has been a regular supply of goals for club and country down the years.
The intention is to show those characteristics with United once fully up to speed , with the 30-year-old eager to remain at Old Trafford beyond the cease of the 2019-20 campaign .
He told reporters after making his second appearance for the Red Devils off the bench in a 1-1 Europa League draw with Club Brugge: “Of course [I would be willing to extend my stay], I get the opportunity.”
Ighalo is being eased into life at United by Solskjaer.
He has changed Anthony Martial in back-to-back outings against Chelsea and Brugge, but it has been suggested that the Red Devils should look to work with a the front two at some stage.
“That is the choice of the coach,” Ighalo said.
“My job is just to work hard each and every day in training and, when called upon to assist the team, I do so.”
Ighalo believes he can make a positive impact after being snapped up by United as they sought cover for the injured Marcus Rashford – whose back problem is worse than first feared.
“I have played in the Premier League before, I know what is required,” Ighalo added.
“I know you have to be very strong and physical, get to keep some balls up for your crew to push forwards, so I am working closer to that. I am getting better and better.
We have good players there.
“Unfortunately, Rashford is injured, he is a desirable striker, occasionally he performed from the side, so we will have to cope with that. I am completely satisfied whenever I am called upon to do anything, I am ready to go.”
Ighalo’s next appearance for United ought to come in opposition to his former club Watford , with the Hornets due at Old Trafford on Sunday.
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