Ighalo to earn N1.4bn in six months at Manchester United

Odion Ighalo

Ex-Nigeria international, Odion Ighalo, will reportedly earn the sum of N1.4 billion (£2.98m) in his six months spell at Manchester United with the exchange rate from naira to British pound sterling at N469.41 as of February 6, 2020.

According to Sports Extra, the 30-year-old will in a month receive N244 million (£520,000) and in his six months at Old Trafford, the former Watford striker will collect N1.4 billion (£2.98 million) as salary.

Ighalo took a pay cut in order to complete his dream deadline day move from Shanghai Shenhua to Manchester United, which now fetches him N60 million (£130,000) per week. He earned £300,000 per-week in China.

The forward joined United on loan until the end of the season as a cover for Marcus Rashford, who is facing an extended spell out after suffering a double stress fracture in his back.

After arriving from China last Sunday, Ighalo is currently undergoing a personal fitness programme to get up to speed with Premier League’s pace.

Ighalo, who will wear the No. 25 shirt previously worn by right-back Antonio Valencia, has been added to United’s squad for the UEFA Europa League.

Brought up in the impoverished Ajegunle neighbourhood in Lagos, Ighalo told Sky Sports that he is confident he can boost United’s attack.

He said that he had watched many United games and observed that the team needs someone in the middle that can keep the ball.

“So, they need a physicality there up front to keep the ball, to give and to make some movement, which I believe, if everything goes well, I can add to the team,” he said.

Describing Ighalo, Manchester United manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, said: “He is a different type of striker and he is a proven goalscorer. He has a physical presence. Also, he gives us a chance to rest Mason and Anthony.”