Nigerian striker Odion Ighalo shared the remarkable story of his unexpected move to Manchester United in January 2020.
At the time, United were in urgent need of a striker due to injuries to key players Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford. Ighalo, then playing for Shanghai Shenhua in China, emerged as a potential candidate.
Ighalo recounted how his agent informed him about United’s interest, stating that the club had four options for the striker position, with Ighalo being the third choice.
Determined to seize the opportunity, Ighalo admitted to praying fervently that the other options would fall through, paving the way for his dream move to Old Trafford.
His prayers were answered when his agent called two days later to confirm United’s decision to sign him.
Ighalo described his disbelief and excitement upon receiving the official offer letter on Manchester United letterhead, a moment that gave him goosebumps.
“My agent called me that Man United wanted a striker on loan because Martial and Rashford were injured and they needed a back-up striker,” he told Nigerian Women’s footballer Rasheedat Ajibade.
“I said what team? Did you say Manchester United? And he said they have like four options of strikers (to sign) and you are the third option and all that.
“I started praying against those other options and I said those other options will not work.
“I prayed and prayed and prayed and two days after, my agent called me and said they wanted to go for me because the other options are not working and I said thank you God, thank you God.
“I still did not believe my eyes. When I saw the offer they sent, the letter… on Man United-headed paper, goose pimples came out from my body.”
Ighalo’s tenure at Manchester United may have been brief, but it was filled with memorable moments. He made 23 appearances and contributed six goals.
