Odion Ighalo, Bruno Fernandes make Manchester United's Europa League squad
- Odion Ighalo joined Manchester United last month
- The 30-year-old joined the Red Devils on a short term loan deal from China-based club Shanghai Shenhua
- Ighalo has now been included in United's Europa League squad along with Fernandes and Bishop
Manchester United have listed their January deadline signing Odion Ighalo in their squad for the Europa League round 32 stage.
The Nigerian football star joined the Red Devils in a most-unanticipated fashion for the remainder of the ongoing season following Marcus Rashford's injury.
Prior to his move to Old Trafford last month, the 30-year-old striker had featured for Watford - scoring 17 goals and six assists in 55 Premier League appearances.
According to Goal.com Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has now added the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations' highest goals scorer in the list to compete in Europe's second-tier championship.
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Apart from Ighalo, Portuguese star Bruno Fernandes and Nathan Bishop who also arrived in January have equally been handed a chance to help the club compete favourably for the title.
With Rashford out and the striker's position vacant at Old Trafford, the former Super Eagles goal poacher is expected to make the starting line up with little or no competition in their next game.
Solskjaer's men will take on Club Brugge in their first knockout stage fixture and they will hope to outshine their opponent to reach the next phase.
Man United boss said about his latest signing: "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.
"We have so many games to come. We want to go far in the Europa League and FA Cup and we have league games to go so it was important we had another type of striker to use.”
Although Paul Pogba is not back with the team, Eric Bailly's return has boosted the club's confidence in their defence.
While Juan Mata and Anthony Martial will add depth to their attacking option as they compete in all championships.
United have been impressive in the Europa League this season after losing just one match against Astana with Jesse Lingard scoring the lone goal.
FULL SQUAD: A LIST
Eric Bailly, Diogo Dalot, David De Gea, Bruno Fernandes, Fred, Odion Ighalo, Daniel James, Matej Kovar, Victor Lindelof, Anthony Martial, Juan Mata, Nemanja Matic, Sergio Romero.
CLUB TRAINED
Jesse Lingard, Scott McTominay, Andreas Pereira, Paul Pogba, Marcus Rashford, Luke Shaw, Axel Tuanzebe.
B LIST
Ethan Laird, Max Taylor, Brandon Williams, Di'Shon Bernard, Teden Mengi, Angel Gomes, James Garner, Arnau Puigmal, Largie Ramazani, Dylan Levitt, Mason Greenwood, Tahith Chong, D'Mani Mellor.
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The Nigerian star, who joined Man United on loan from Shanghai Shenhua on a six months deal was unveiled at the club earlier this week.
He was the third player to join the Red Devils before the close of the winter transfer window last weekend.
Legit.ng earlier reported Manchester United have come under serious scrutiny by the club's supporters over their delay to unveil their new signing Odion Ighalo.
The Nigerian football star joined the Red Devils on a six months loan deal from Chinese Super League side Shanghai Shenhua.
His arrival is expected to serve as back up for injured Marcus Rashford who is not expected back until later this campaign.
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Source: Legit.ng
