Ighalo likely to leave United for Shanghai Shenhua

Odion Ighalo

Manchester United forward, Odion Ighalo, could see his time at Old Trafford end next Monday after his parent club, Shanghai Shenhua, expressed desire for him to return.

Ighalo’s deal expires on May 31 and talks between United and Shanghai Shenhua have stalled, The Guardian reports.

The Chinese club is said to be unwilling to allow the Nigerian to finish the Premier League campaign at United.

The English top flight could return in June following its suspension because of the coronavirus crisis. China’s Super League, on the other hand, should kick-off next month, having been delayed from its usual February commencement, also due to the pandemic.

Ighalo joined Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s side on transfer deadline day in January to act as cover for Marcus Rashford who had a serious back injury at the time.

Ighalo immediately impressed United authorities, scoring four goals in the team’s last five matches.

“Odion has done really well – we need those qualities for next season so let’s see,” Solskjær had said about the 30-year-old in March.

With Rashford fit again, it is understood the club might not be keen on keeping Ighalo.