Solskjaer Refuses To Rule Out Manchester United Extending Contract Of 2019 AFCON Top Scorer

Norwegian football tactician Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has refused to rule out the possibility of Manchester United extending the contract of 2019 Africa Cup of Nations top scorer Odion Ighalo.

The Shanghai Shenhua-owned striker joined the Red Devils on loan in the January transfer window, with no option to buy included in the deal.

"It doesn't hurt [living the dream] but he's here on merit, he's here because he is a goalscorer and a different type of striker for us," Solskjaer said to Sky Sports UK.

"We might get to the summer and think we want to extend this, who knows?"

Though Ighalo has mostly played as a substitute and scored only once in five games, the former Super Eagles star offers something different than Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford, something which has been pointed out by Solskjaer.

The penalty-box predator had three clear cut chances to increase his goal tally in Premier League matches against Chelsea, Watford and Everton but was unfortunate not to score.

Solskjaer added : "He's come in as a breath of fresh air as well. He had chances in his five minutes against Chelsea, he scored against Bruges, he had chances against Watford, he had a very good save [from a shot] against Everton - there have been good saves, he doesn't miss the target very often.

"Even for Anthony (Martial), Mason (Greenwood) and Marcus (Rashford) to learn that it is where the sharks are swimming.

"It's comfortable outside the box and you can have a few shots. It's in there where it might be a bit tougher and you might get hurt - that's where you get goals".

Ighalo will be hoping to score his first goal in the Emirates FA Cup since March 13, 2016 when Manchester United face Derby County at Pride Park Stadium on Thursday night.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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