Odion Ighalo Set To Play Key Role For Manchester United

Published: June 24, 2020

Odion Ighalo is likely to be handed the chance to boost Manchester United's European qualification hopes during the final weeks of the season.

The Nigerian forward could be utilised as United's super-sub when games continue to come thick and fast during the Premier League restart.

The Red Devils are still in the hunt for a top-four finish and Champions League qualification. If Manchester City's European ban is upheld, then even a fifth-place finish would be enough.

It means United and Ighalo have plenty to play for as the campaign draws to a close, and they could be a team to follow as their current odds look tempting around 6/4 to secure a place in the top-four.

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If they are to end the season on a high note, Ighalo might just prove vital to their chances.

Squad rotation key for Solskjaer

With two games a week until the end of July, Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has underlined the need for squad rotation.

This is where Ighalo will come in. He can boost for the Norwegian manager's options, especially with more substitutions being allowed.

"We've had time out so I don't think we can expect that those lads who've missed lots of the football can last the full game. But now the rules have changed, we can use five subs and have nine on the bench," Solskjaer told the club's official website.

"I think that's helpful because footballers, after being out for so long, going into competitive games will be a challenge for them and we have to look after them injury-wise and fitness-wise.

"We can't just flog one player and say to them, 'you play every game and every minute' because it might be a period when we have to rotate quite often."

Ighalo will get the opportunity to shine

Despite having to offer backup to Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford since his arrival at Old Trafford, Ighalo has still been used by Solskjaer.

He has netted four times in eight appearances for the club, which led to United extending his loan stay from Chinese parent club Shanghai Shenhua until the end of the season.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel