Manchester United complete shock move for ex-Watford striker Ighalo

Manchester United have turned to former Watford striker Odion Ighalo for help up front.

United finalized a deal late on Friday with Ighalo's parent club, Shanghai Shenhua, to sign the 30-year-old on loan until the end of the season.

The Red Devils don't have an option to make the deal permanent, according to multiple reports.

Ighalo received a similar call from Barcelona in January 2019 but declined the opportunity to join the Spanish side. He later said he deserved better than the six-month loan deal Barcelona offered.

This time is different. A lifelong United supporter, Ighalo couldn't turn down the chance to represent his childhood team.

"Odion is an experienced player," United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said in a statement. "He will come in and give us an option of a different type of center-forward for the short spell he's staying with us.

"A great lad and very professional, he will make the most of his time here."

The former Nigerian international last played in England in 2017. He spent two-and-a-half seasons with the Hornets, helping them earn promotion in 2015 before scoring 15 goals the following campaign.

After finishing second in Chinese Super League scoring in 2018, Ighalo produced 10 goals in 17 domestic appearances with Shenhua in 2019.

Ighalo could earn significant minutes at Old Trafford. With Marcus Rashford out of action for the foreseeable future, Solskjaer has just two senior strikers available in Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood. The Red Devils also have commitments in three competitions.