Ighalo Set for China Return as Manchester United Delay Contract Talks

Manchester United are hoping to extend Odion Ighalo’s loan spell as uncertainty grows over whether the Nigerian striker will remain at Old Trafford for the rest of the season.

Ighalo’s loan deal was due to expire at the end of May, after which he was expected to return to Chinese Super League club Shanghai Shenhua.

However, the Premier League season had been suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic and was not expected to resume before June under plans being discussed as part of “Project Restart.”

United wanted Ighalo to remain with the club until the delayed 2019-20 campaign was completed.

The former Watford striker joined Manchester United on loan in January in a surprise deadline-day move and quickly impressed manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Ighalo scored four goals in three starts and made eight appearances in total before football was suspended.

The 30-year-old, who grew up supporting Manchester United, had described his move to Old Trafford as a dream come true.

Any extension to his stay, however, would require an agreement with Shanghai Shenhua.

The Chinese Super League was also preparing for the start of its delayed season, meaning Shanghai could potentially want Ighalo back as domestic football in China moved closer to resuming.

United therefore faced uncertainty over whether they could keep the striker for the remainder of the Premier League campaign or allow him to return to China when his original loan agreement expired.