Odion Ighalo has revealed all about a message of support he received from compatriot Nwankwo Kanu after he made his loan move to Manchester United.
Ighalo’s loan from Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua on deadline day in January did not initially go down well with most critics deeming his arrival as a panic move.
The Red Devils had been linked with several other higher profile striking targets throughout that month but had been unable to deliver on any of them.
But the Nigerian made an instant impact after joining and has gone on to prove his worth for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The 30-year-old bagged four goals in all competitions before the season was suspended due to the coronavirus crisis, including a stunning strike in the Europa League against LASK.
There are now reports that the former Watford man could make a permanent switch to Old Trafford and the striker has revealed that Kanu gave him some useful advice that helped him seize his opportunity.
“He sent me a congratulations message when I signed for Man United and he just advised me to keep working hard,” Ighalo said.
“He said I’m going to surprise so many people that didn’t give me the benefit of the doubt of coming into that team.
“He said that he saw me doing well there, but I should work hard and believe in myself – don’t let talk from other people distract me. So it’s a good one.”
Speaking about the pressures of playing for a club like United, Ighalo continued: “Manchester United is a big club, there will always be pressure to do well.
“They want to win every game, they want to contest for every title, they want to do well and especially we want to end this season in the first four to qualify for the Champions League.
“Trying to win the Europa League, the FA Cup is there. So you feel that little bit of pressure, ‘this game we have to win’.”
Ighalo’s loan stay at Old Trafford is due to expire at the end of May and Shanghai are believed to be playing hardball over renewal talks, insisting that United will need to pay around £15 million to keep the forward.
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