ODION IGHALO’S future at Manchester United remains uncertain with the club said to be relaxed about whether he stays or returns to parent club Shanghai Shenhua.
The 30-year-old joined the Red Devils on loan in January until the end of May after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side lost Marcus Rashford to a back injury.
Marcus Rashford’s return to the Manchester United side could see Odion Ighalo heading back to China
In the England international’s absence, Ighalo impressed – chipping in with four goals and one assist in eight games in all competitions.
But with Rashford now recovered from his setback that saw his miss 13 matches, United are reportedly not panicking about the Nigerian striker heading back to the Far East.
Commenting on his situation, Sky Sports’ James Cooper said: “As far as Ighalo goes, I think there is a relaxed mood from Manchester United.
“The facts of the matter are that his contract comes to end next Friday, May 31.
“There is a will from Manchester United to keep the player, I think equally Shanghai Shenhua would like the player back in China playing for them.
“The relaxed attitude that comes from Manchester United, is that Marcus Rashford is now fit and so there is less need for Ighalo.
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“But I think all things being equal United would like to keep him.”
It was recently reported how Ighalo may have played his last game for the club after loan extension talks with Shenhua hit a wall.
His agent Abdul Sule publicly stated last month he advises him to go back to China, where he declared a return to Europe at the end of the season could be on the cards.
He told Goal: “I see Odion Ighalo earning a big-money move from top European teams when his loan expires at Manchester United.
“I don’t think Man United are keen on retaining him because they seem not to value him enough to hand him a regular place. He also may not be wanted again when Marcus Rashford is fit.
“I will not advise him to return to China now despite the attractive offer but would urge him to stay in Europe. I won’t be surprised if Chelsea, Manchester City, Real Madrid or Barcelona come for him.
“He has proven that he’s got a lot to offer at the highest level within his short stay at Man United and he can attract big brands and earn more money, playing in any of the top teams in England.
“He can always still return to China later in his career but right now, I think he has what it takes to shine in Europe.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
