Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has given the clearest indication yet that Manchester United will sign Odion Ighalo on a permanent transfer this summer.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said “Odion has done really well since he came in and he’s enjoying himself, And he will improve and get better but he has qualities we saw in him and we needed and we will still need those qualities for next season, so let’s see what we will do. He’s a goalscorer and a striker, he doesn’t worry too much about all that nonsense; build-up play – that’s a joke, obviously. He knows his job and what his role in the team is, and he’s very good with his back to goal, great link player, but maybe the best thing about him is his personality, so he’s got the whole lot really. He had three touches before his fourth was the finish. All them touches were high quality but he had to make them to create space for himself. But the strike is on the half-volley, great timing, no one would have saved that one so anyone would have been proud of that finish.”
Eyebrows were raised on deadline day when the Red Devils signed Ighalo on a loan deal until the end of the 2019-20 season. But the Nigerian striker has made a bright start to his career at Old Trafford, scoring four goals in eight matches, including the opener for Manchester United in Thursday’s 5-0 win over LASK.
Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer also opened up about have a “nice” conversation with Paul Pogba amid transfer speculation about the player’s future at Old Trafford. Solskjaer stated that he believes Pogba will be at United next season, despite the player having declared that “it could be time for a new challenge” last summer.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said “The decision was easy because when I had the chance to come, I didn’t think twice. I talked with Sporting, who had already had some discussions with Man United about my transfer and when they talk with me, I told them my first choice was Man United and it’s what I need for my career. I see the same team from one month ago. I think we are the same and have a lot of hunger to win, to give a lot, to do better and better in every game. In the last month, we’ve had a lot of really good games and I think we can talk about a new start after Bruno, but it’s not about Bruno, it’s about the team. I need to give something to the fans, not because they sing my song, but they give me the support I need to help my team-mates and to help United be better. I talked about this (Incident with Pep) with some friends and some people think Pep won everything, who is Bruno to do this to him? I am so respectful of Pep and what he’s won and what he did for football but at that moment, he didn’t respect me and he didn’t deserve my respect. But for me, it doesn’t matter what happens on the pitch, now we’re out of it and it’s past. I have respect for him, so it doesn’t matter what he said.”
Bruno Fernandes has already scored three goals for the club and has assisted four goals since he joined from Sporting. He has been an instant hit with the United fans.
Bruno Fernandes has opened up on his move to Man Utd, his new song and the reason behind his gesture towards Pep Guardiola during the Manchester derby. The 25-year-old has been a revelation since his arrival on January 29, sparking the United midfield into life and propelling them to a 12-match unbeaten run in all competitions.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said “When you go and see them live you just get that feeling of the player, What impressed me most that day was his personality. We knew about his skills and qualities. If you follow him and watch him all the time [you notice] that he cares so much and wants to win, he had that fire in him. I thought, yep, that’s the character we need. He won’t let anyone down. Letting the team down is the same as letting himself down. He wants to win and he knows we [win] together, everyone plays an important part. He’s been a positive boost. Bruno coming in has boosted the players but for the supporters as well, they can see that we are putting pieces in place”
Bruno Fernandes has been an instant hit at United and has scored three goals for the club already and has provided two assists. He has also been nominated as one of the candidates to receive the player of the month award for February 2020 in the premier league.
Manchester United has announced the measures they are taking to prevent the spread of Coronavirus and have updated the supporters about the status of their stadium tours, and other activities at the club.
Manchester United said “Old Trafford currently remains open for visitors to our Megastore, Museum and the Red Café. Our Stadium Tours are going ahead as normal except for the changing rooms, which are closed to visitors until further notice as a precautionary measure. We are taking a series of precautions to reduce the risk of infection across the club, including strengthened hygiene procedures and additional limits on access to our Aon Training Complex, where visitors will be asked to complete questionnaires about their recent travel and potential exposure to coronavirus. Please note at the time of writing, the match on Saturday 6 June 2020 is proceeding as planned. “
Manchester United was one of the last English clubs to have played competitive football before the suspension of all types of English football came in place. They travelled to Austria to play LASK behind closed doors, a match that they won 5-0.
