Football

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer warned Odion Ighalo failure could lead to Man Utd sack


Paul Merson fears Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could be sacked by Manchester United if shock loan signing Odion Ighalo fails to impress.

And the Arsenal hero also reckons executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward could face the axe, with the pressure on the two Red Devils bosses after a miserable campaign.

Already short in attack following the summer departures of Alexis Sanchez and Romelu Lukaku, a back injury sustained by Marcus Rashford on top of the failed move for Erling Haaland made a January reinforcement crucial for United.

Bournemouth’s Josh King was among a variety of late options considered, with United eventually plumping for a shock move for ex-Watford striker Ighalo on loan from Shanghai Shenhua until the end of the season.

Odion Ighalo will be keen to impress after sealing a shock loan move to Manchester United

Ighalo, 30, scored 16 times in 55 Premier League appearances for Watford but Merson doubts whether he has the ability to shine at Old Trafford.

Writing in his column for the Daily Star, Merson said: “Odion Ighalo could be the final straw at Manchester United.

“If that signing is a disaster then Ed Woodward and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer are in big trouble.

“Don’t get me wrong. He could rediscover the form he once he had at Watford and be a huge success. But he could be the biggest laughing stock the Premier League has ever seen.

Odion Ighalo celebrates scoring the first goal for Watford with Nathan Ake
Ighalo scored 16 times in 55 Premier League appearances for Watford

“Only time will tell.

“But remember, the last time he was here he only scored once in 18 games before Watford sold him and he’ll have gotten lazy playing in China.”

Merson pointed to comparisons with Henrik Larsson, who joined United on loan aged 35 and impressed in his short stint in 2007.

But the former Arsenal legend doesn’t believe Ighalo has the experience to emulate the Swede’s success.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is under pressure as Manchester United manager

Read More

Mirror Football’s Top Stories

He added: “I’ve heard people compare it with Henrik Larsson because nobody expected him to still be any good when United signed him either.

“But Larsson had been world class. He had scored goals in major tournaments and won big trophies. And he still had his finishing and his movement.

“Ighalo doesn’t have any of that on his CV and he’s coming into a struggling team. The biggest one he’s ever played for.

“It’s a big ask, and if it all goes horribly wrong it will just pile more pressure on the manager because you’re always judged on your signings as well as your results.





READ SOURCE

Leave a Reply

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you accept our use of cookies.