I sacrificed my salary to join Manchester United, and the fans adored me. However, my aspirations were ultimately thwarted.

In January 2020, Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer characterised Marcus Rashford’s stress fracture to his back as a “bad injury,” predicting that Rashford would be sidelined for several months.

The injury compelled United to take action during the winter transfer window, despite the fact that their options were somewhat limited. Many supporters were taken aback by the sudden signing of Odion Ighalo from Shanghai Shenhua.

Ighalo’s return to English football was unexpected, given that he was 30 years old and had most recently played in the Premier League at Watford. United’s first deadline-day signing since Anthony Martial in 2015, he signed a six-month loan agreement on the final day of the January window. The deal was characterised by a desperate last-ditch effort.

The club had previously expressed interest in Joshua King; however, they ultimately opted to pursue Ighalo, whose agent was involved in late discussions with then-executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward. After the loan agreement was finalised, Atta Aneke, Ighalo’s agent, acknowledged, “It has been quite hectic.”

It is astoundingly large. He did not anticipate being transferred to United at the age of 30 when he departed for China. He is an extraordinary individual. If you observe his activities outside of the arena…

“He has established an orphanage that accommodates 20-30 children, who are now permitted to attend school.” He transfers money to widows from the region of Nigeria where he resides on a monthly basis. He is an individual who has achieved achievement.

He is not one of those individuals who prioritises himself. Ighalo’s infectious, larger-than-life personality and his declaration that he was living a fantasy at the club made him a fan favourite, despite the fact that not much was anticipated of him.

In his initial interview with MUTV, he even disclosed that he had to accept a pay reduction in order to join United. “At 11pm in Shanghai, my agent called me [to say] that United want to do the deal, so I woke up and started looking for a translator to go to the directors’ room and hit his door and all that,” according to him. “My agent is contacting you; United is pursuing me; you must facilitate this.

” Consequently, they commenced conversing and deliberating. I was unable to sleep that night due to the fact that the transfer window was set to expire at 7 a.m. Shanghai time. Ighalo has consistently expressed his unwavering commitment to joining Manchester United, even if it required him to accept a salary reduction.

“From 11 p.m., there was paperwork, negotiation, and all that for the loan deal. We are currently discussing the matter, and other teams are contacting them to request my assistance.” However, I informed my agent that this is my preference. He was unwavering in his decision, declaring,

“I am determined to arrive here.” He [the agent] stated, “You will receive a salary reduction in order to transfer to United.” I replied, “I am indifferent.” Ensure that this transaction happens. I am interested in visiting United. I am indifferent to the extent of the pay reduction.