Why Ighalo Is Different From Other Manchester United Strikers – Giggs

Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs has given reasons why Odion Ighalo is different from other Red Devils strikers.

United and Chinese Super League side Shanghai Shenhua reached an agreement to extend Ighalo’s contract until January 2021 earlier this week.

Giggs who expressed delight that Ighalo will remain for one more season, says the former Nigeria international gives Solskjaer a genuine centre forward presence the rest of his strikers lack.

“He’s different, he’s a centre forward where as the other players can play out wide,” Giggs was quoted in Sky Sports.

“He gives you something extra off the bench when he’s not starting. Centre forwards always want to score goals, he’s done that everywhere he has gone.

“It’s positive that he is able to stay because he has done well. He makes an impact when he’s on the pitch.”

On Ighalo’s fellow January signing Bruno Fernandes, Giggs says he likes what he has seen but argued it was too early to draw any comparisons on his impact at United with that of club icon Eric Cantona.

Giggs said: “Ole’s signings have been good, not only as players but they are good people. Fernandes coming in has given everyone a lift, it’s an exciting end to the season.

“It’s early doors to be talking about the players who have come in and made an impact [such as Eric Cantona] but certainly he’s off to a great start.

“He’s made players around him better and has just fitted in straight away. That’s always what you pray for when a new signing comes in.

“He looks a good guy as well, he wants to play for the club. He’s exciting, when he receives the ball he will try things, if something doesn’t come off he will try it again, he’s brilliant to watch.

“He’s given everyone a lift, the players around him, the staff, the fans. A really positive start but a long way to go yet.”

Similarly, Ighalo’s teammate Luke Shaw has revealed the feeling inside the Manchester United dressing room after Odion Ighalo’s loan deal was extended by the Red Devils.

Shaw says the whole group at Carrington are happy the striker will be extending his stay in England for the time being.

“We’ve already had some really good news at United this week with Odion extending his contract,” he told United’s official website.

“All the players are really happy for him. Obviously his situation was up in the air and we try not to talk about that kind of thing at training but we’re just so happy for him.

“Before he arrived, a few people outside the club weren’t too sure what he was going to bring to the club, but he’s shown everyone because he’s brought goals and a different style to our other strikers.

“He’s earned and deserved the chance to stay here longer. He brings happiness and a smile in the place.

“He’s great in training but he’s also been really important at times during games and scored some great goals, he said.