Odion Ighalo ‘will give blood’ to succeed at Manchester United

The Nigerian scored his first goal for the Red Devils against Club Brugge since his loan from Shanghai Shenhua

Odion Ighalo insists he will “give blood” in order to succeed at Manchester United following his shock move from Shanghai Shenhua.

The Nigerian raised eyebrows after completing a loan to Old Trafford in January with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looking for cover in the absence of the injured Marcus Rashford.

But the former Watford star, a boyhood United fan, has already made an impression by hitting his first goal for his new club on Thursday in the 5-0 Europa League win over Club Brugge.

Now Ighalo is reflecting on the opportunity that has fallen his way and insists he will “fight” to fulfil his “dream” in red.

“Of course. This is what I am working for. This is what I dream of and what I dreamt of when I was a kid. Now it is in my hands, so I have to fight for it. I will give my blood to get it,” he told United’s official website.

Ighalo celebrates his debut goal for United against Club Brugge (AP)

“I am still working hard in every training session and doing some extra to make sure I get up to the level. When I’m called upon, I will give my best.

“It’s been great here. The lads are all great guys. It’s a happy dressing room. The coach and everyone around the club make me feel at home. I’m really enjoying my time here.

“We have quality players in the team. Martial is on fire, scoring goals. Bruno [Fernandes] is doing well, [Daniel] James too, everybody from the goalkeeper to the top is working really hard.

“So, I think this is very good for the team. We need to keep the momentum going and keep winning games and fighting in every match, to make sure we get our objectives at the end of the season.”

Ighalo has fond memories of United’s next opponents Everton, with a trip to Goodison Park on Sunday.

The Nigeria striker scored on his Premier League debut for Watford at the Toffees’ home back in 2015 and will be eager repeat the trick as he attempts to earn a permanent move to United.