Ole Solskjaer backs proven goalscorer Odion Ighalo to make loan deal permanent

Manchester United manager Ole Solskjaer has backed Odion Ighalo to make his loan move permanent.

Odion Ighalo joined Manchester United on the last day of the winter transfer a move many called panic buy.

But Ole Solskjaer has expressed satisfaction at the signing whom he called a proven goalscorer stating it was a desired buy not a panic buy.

“It’s a loan, but when you’re in the door – and if you impress – it gives you a chance,” Solskjaer said. “That’s exactly the same for everyone who signs.

“If it’s permanent or if it’s a loan, if you impress as a player, if you impress as a person, if you can help this group improve, of course there’s a chance we’ll look at extending things and signing.

“That doesn’t just go for Odion but, since you asked, yes, his incentive is to play as well as he can and it’s up to us to make sure he wants to stay, if we want him.

“Don’t go down that route now,” Solskjaer replied at the suggestion Ighalo was a ‘desperate’ signing. “He’s a loan player that we’re very happy with having here. Hopefully he’ll prove to you what I think he will. He’s a proven goalscorer, so he’ll do all right.

“I’m very happy with the two guys we brought in and it’s not just us and Chelsea. But to finally have got Bruno [Fernandes] over the line, to have signed him after following him for so long, and just seeing what he can give us and what he will give us, has been great. And it will be great to integrate Odion as well.”

Odion Ighalo could make his debut today as United travel to Stamford to tackle Chelsea.