Odion Ighalo might prove to be a shrewd addition for Manchester United and also the excellent fit for the No.9 void at old Trafford, says Dimitar Berbatov.
The Red Devils are lacking a dominant central striker since agreeing to give up Romelu Lukaku within the summer of 2019.
Many have questioned that decision once seeing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer place faith in Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford – 2 forwards who have tended to be utilized in wider roles.
With England international Rashford having now additionally been sidelined through injury, United were left with no selection however to search out another frontman within the winter transfer window.
That search went right down to the wire , with links to many high-profile figures returning to nothing before former Watford star Ighalo was snapped up from Shanghai Shenhua on an initial loan deal.
Eyebrows were raised as that deadline-day deal was pushed through, however Berbatov feels a Nigeria international with past Premier League expertise may well be a helpful possibility.
The former Red Devils striker told Betfair : “I assume it is a good move for United as a result of Ighalo has contend within the Premier League, and did well with Watford, so he will understand what to expect.
“He’s scored many goals in China and his record for Nigeria is spectacular too. i would like to see him play as shortly as possible because i am curious to see how he can slot in to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s plans.
“Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial each prefer to cut in from the left so United have arguably lacked a natural No.9 this season.
That’s what Ighalo ought to provide them and that i will be interested to see how they play with him within the side.
“I liked Ighalo’s interview during which he aforesaid how happy he was to move to old Trafford.
He was so keen that he told his agent he would settle for a cut. It’s nice to see United sign a player who is dependent on the club. they need players like that.”
Ighalo was United’s second signing of the January window, with a €55 million (£47m/$60m) agreement reached for Bruno Fernandes at the end of a lengthy saga.
Big things are expected of the Portugal international and Berbatov expects worth to be found during a big-money deal after an encouraging debut against Wolves.
The Bulgarian added: “Bruno Fernandes performed well on his debut against Wolves.
“He will need many games to get accustomed the rhythm of the team however the Portuguese midfielder showed that he is an intelligent player, with an eye fixed for a killer pass and powerful shot.
“As he grows into his role, I can see Fernandes controlling games. however there have been some of incidents that suggested he must work on the physical is the of his game. The Premier League is that the most physical league, much harder than the Portuguese league and quicker too.
“The signs are good for Fernandes and i am looking forward to United’s next match, following the winter break, to see how he slots into United’s system and if he can add creativeness.”
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