Former Super Eagles striker, Odion Ighalo, has claimed he was given an “unfair” opportunity by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer while he was on loan at Manchester United.
Ighalo moved to Old Trafford in January 2020 on an initial six-month deal from Chinese Super League side Shanghai Shenhua but he impressed during his first few months with Manchester United by scoring five goals.
His impressive form saw earned him a loan extension until January 2021, but things did not go well with the striker as he only managed two starts this season before his departure.
While Ighalo’s love for Manchester United continues, he admits he had to exit the club after he was regularly snubbed by Solskjaer.
When asked by Sky Sports if he could have extended his contract with Manchester United, Ighalo said: “There wasn’t much possibility because I wanted more playing time.
“At my age, I want to play and not just sit on the bench and not have any minutes.
“I didn’t just want to be there picking up a salary – I wanted to be involved so I said to my agent that if an offer comes in, I will look at it and see what’s best for me, which is what I did.
“I’m so happy that my path crossed with Manchester United – it’s the club I love with all my heart and for all my life so playing for them was a big privilege that I do not take for granted.
“No matter the circumstances that led me to leave, I will always be grateful to the coach, my team-mates, the fans, and everyone around Manchester United.
“After my initial loan was extended, I did not play much which was perhaps a bit unfair but as I said, I am always grateful for the opportunity.”
Also, Ighalo claimed he could have signed for West Ham or West Brom before he opted to sign a two-and-a-half year contract with Saudi Professional League club Al Shadab in January 2021.
While explaining why he turned down the offers, he said: “After being at Manchester United, the biggest club in England, if not the world, what else could I possibly do in the Premier League?”
