Ighalo Took Pay Cut to Join ‘Dream Club’ Manchester United

Odion Ighalo has revealed that he accepted a pay cut to complete his deadline-day loan move to Manchester United, describing the transfer as a dream come true.

The Nigerian striker joined United from Shanghai Shenhua until the end of the season as manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer moved to strengthen his attacking options.

United had been short of forwards following the departures of Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez, while Marcus Rashford was sidelined with a back injury.

Ighalo, a lifelong Manchester United supporter, said he had no hesitation when the opportunity to move to Old Trafford emerged.

“I’m very happy,” he told the club’s website. “It’s just like a dream come true for me.”

The former Watford striker said people close to him had long known about his affection for United.

“People that know me, even back in Nigeria, and even when I was playing at Watford, my teammates knew that I loved Man United,” he said.

Ighalo described the negotiations as dramatic, revealing that his agent informed him of United’s interest shortly before the transfer deadline.

He said discussions continued late into the night as paperwork and negotiations were completed while other clubs also expressed interest.

“But I told my agent that this is what I want. I want to come here,” Ighalo said.

When informed that joining United would mean accepting a reduction in salary, the striker said money was not his priority.

“He said, ‘You’re going to get a pay cut to go to United.’ I said, ‘I don’t care. Make this deal happen. I want to go to United.’”

The 30-year-old became the first Nigerian to play for Manchester United and said his transfer had generated excitement among family, friends and supporters in the area where he grew up.

Ighalo joined Bruno Fernandes as one of United’s January arrivals, with the club hoping the new signings could strengthen their push for a higher Premier League finish.