Manchester United have been so impressed with Odion Ighalo they think he’d be worth a huge £70million if he was five years younger, reports express.co.uk.
The 30-year-old has been a big hit at Old Trafford ever since his arrival from Shanghai Shenhua on transfer deadline day. Express Sport takes a look at the qualities of the Nigerian and how they may influence United’s thinking.
Successful actions
Ighalo has mostly been a substitute throughout his time at the Theatre of Dreams so far. But, despite that, the Nigeria international has still attempted 197 actions across all competitions for the Red Devils. Ighalo has been successful 50.3 per cent of the time.
And that’s resulted in him scoring four goals for the club against Club Brugge, Derby (x2) and LASK in the Europa League.
Ighalo also carries a goal threat of 4.62xG, showing how direct and potent he’s been during his limited appearances so far.
Aerial duels
United signed Ighalo because they felt the Nigeria international would offer their attack a new dimension.
His physical attributes certainly endeared him, particularly given how the Red Devils lost Romelu Lukaku back in the summer.
And Ighalo has attempted seven aerial duels throughout his time at United.
He’s been successful 57.1 per cent of the time.
And his standout contribution came with him winning an aerial duel against Manchester City and laying the groundwork for Scott McTominay to score.
Predatory instincts
Ighalo has had 23 touches in the box since his arrival. And, when you consider he’s only been on the pitch for 356 minutes, that’s rather impressive.
Another reason United went for Ighalo was that they felt he’d be a fox in the box – in stark contrast to the likes of Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood.
Ighalo has also been offside only three times, showing that he’s been disciplined when leading the line.
Other attributes
Ighalo has attempted 73 passes throughout his time at United, being successful 86.3 per cent of the time.
The 30-year-old has attempted 18 dribbles and got them right at a rate of 38.9 per cent.
He’s also been good at recovering the ball, showing he’s taken to Solskjaer’s pressing game.
Ighalo has recovered the ball nine times, meaning he’s been successful with 77.8 per cent of attempts. (The Guardian/The Express, UK)
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