Former Man United man Odion Ighalo has revealed that not only does he think transfer target Victor Osimhen would be a “good fit” for the club, he says he’ll even “advise him” to join them this summer.
Ighalo‘s relatively short time at United may have come almost out of nowhere, but it was still nevertheless a chapter that most fans enjoyed; characterised by plenty of smiles and the wholesome story of a lifelong Red finally joining his dream club — plus he also managed to score a few goals.
However, it might surprise a few fans to learn that it was Ighalo’s loan move to United back in 2020 that actually prevented them from securing the signature of highly sought-after Napoli forward, Osimhen, who was just coming through at Lille at the time.
Speaking to Complete Sports back then, his Osimhen’s brother Andrew said that United’s interest was very real but simply had “too much respect for Ighalo to be competing for shirts with his senior colleague.”
“My brother holds Ighalo in high esteem and he just didn’t see himself going to Old Trafford to battle for a striking role with the highest goalscorer at the 2019 AFCON in Egypt.” It would seem that love is just as equally reciprocated, with Ighalo insisting that the 24-year-old is “like a brother to me”.
As he went on to tell Sky Sports, Ighalo said, “If he asked for my opinion and what should he do, I would advise him to join United because, for me, they are the biggest club”, adding that not only would he “fit in so well”, he also believes being paired up with Marcus Rashford would be a frightening prospect.
The 33-year-old noted that as his Nigerian compatriot is “young boy” who can run and score goals, he believes that the idea of having him and Rashford in the top at United “will cause any defender panic, because they are two fast players and they are goalscorers.”
Currently playing in Saudi Arabia, Ighalo assured that he keeps in regular contact with Osimhen. “We talk once in a while, I advise him, I talk to him and I tell him to keep working hard and believe in himself, which he is doing. He is on the right path. He is a goalscorer, he never stops.
“Osimhen is like an ant. He is a striker that doesn’t give defenders a chance to rest; he is always going to be on you, he is always going to press you and he isn’t afraid.”
Sounds like the kind of player any team would snap up given the opportunity.
Now, with 21 goals and four assists in all competitions already this season and almost just as many for the current Serie A leaders last year (this being only his third campaign for the club), United obviously won’t be the only team looking to go in for the striker in scintillating form.
Moreover, it is also a question of whether or not Osimhen would fit into Erik ten Hag‘s side and the way he wants to play going forward, not to mention links with Spurs and England star Harry Kane looking stronger than ever following their Champions League exit.
What do you reckon, United fans — if you had your pick, would it be Osimhen or Kane?
Featured Image — Sky Sports/Man United/Napoli/Victor Osimhen (via IG)
Sport
Alejandro Garnacho set for Premier League switch as Manchester United shuffle attacking lineup
Danny Jones
Young Manchester United forward Alejandro Garnacho looks set to make a switch to another Premier League team as he has reportedly already reached an agreement regarding personal terms with his next club: Chelsea.
The promising winger, who graduated from Man United’s academy setup and has quickly made an impact even in just a short time in the first team, is now believed to be London-bound very soon, with Chelsea now “close” to completing a deal for the 21-year-old.
While there are no doubts surrounding his talent and potential, it is said the rift between him and the United head coach comes down to personality, character and conduct, with the latter not shying away from sharing grievances publicly.
🚨 Chelsea have stepped up talks with Manchester United over deal to sign Alejandro Garnacho. Clubs in touch on topic for some time & now advancing amid Benjamin Sesko joining #MUFC. 21yo winger wants #CFC or nothing + expects move to happen @TheAthleticFChttps://t.co/vdc1dtnA0p
According to The Athletic, it now looks as though after having agitated for a move, Garnacho has got his wish and is set for the capital, in a move which could see him become the 51st senior player to sign for the Blues under Todd Boehly’s ownership.
It is, quite frankly, a staggering number – especially given the fact that he only purchased the club back in May of 2022.
Most notably in Garnacho‘s case, too, it also raises questions around where in the Chelsea squad he will fit and how much regular first-team football (a guaranteed starting spot rumoured to be a flashpoint with Amorim) he will be able to enjoy should the deal go ahead.
For instance, besides the plethora of other attacking players at Enzo Maresca’s disposal, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano says that the west Londoners are also pursuing PSG’s Xavi Simons.
Nevertheless, the Italian journalist claims that “every detail of personal terms with Chelsea” has now been agreed, with the Argentine prospect now fully set on a move to Stamford Bridge.
You can see what other Manchester United transfer updates he gave in his latest video.
Romano goes on to state that the deal is effectively done as far as the player side of things is concerned, adding that Garnacho is now only interested in Chelsea since and has been since July.
Although negotiations are yet to begin with Man United, it looks likely that they will push to get a transfer approved quickly as they look to cover the costs of the other business, having already brought in a number of players.
A young BMX star from Trafford finished on the podium in the 2025 World Championships
Danny Jones
A Greater Manchester native placed on the podium at the 2025 BMX World Championships in yet another display of our region’s sporting excellence.
12-year-old Leo Rowlands from Timperley in Trafford was one of the several promising BMX riders representing Team GB at the World Championships in Copenhagen, which kicked off at the end of July.
Back in 2023, Geordie-born Kieran Reilly became the UK’s first champion at the UCI BMX Freestyle Worlds in Glasgow, and this year, London’s Beth Shriever claimed a trio of world titles.
Combine that with the incredible achievement of the talented young lad coming third overall in his own category, and it really was another brilliant performance from Great Britain.
Credit: Supplied
Penning a proud statement online, local outlet Altrincham Today wrote: “HUGE congratulations to Leo Rowlands, who has just claimed WORLD No. 3 at the BMX World Championships in Copenhagen.
“The Year 7 [aged 11-12] Altrincham College student, who’s been racing since age 6 and trains at Bruntwood Park BMX Club in Cheadle, came through a field of over 140 of the world’s best riders to reach the final and secure his spot on the podium.
“Already North Champion and UK National No. 2, Leo will be going for the British Championship title in Kent this month.”
Joining in sharing their pride and praise on social media, his home college in Alty, along with Rowlands’ fellow students, simply added: “Incredible performance, Leo!”
The comments underneath both posts are filled with other parents and fellow locals passing on their congrats. You love to see it.
Credit: Family Handout (supplied)
As for his regular cycling haunt, Bruntwood Park BMX Club also went on to add: “Yesterday, two riders reached the top of the sport for their age, and it is with great pride that they bring home the club’s first W plates from a World Championships.
“First up, Leo Rowlands, who put down a stunning lap in the Male 12s final, working his way back from dead last out of the gate to make a brilliant podium and take home W3.”
They went on to credit all of their rising talents, including another promising young and already multi-title-winning champion in Lexi Waite, who fought her way back from a slipped gate to finish in fifth.
Bruntwood signed off by adding: “What an incredible achievement from both of these outstanding riders, and we cannot wait to have these guys back with their W plates!”
There’s plenty of cycling history being made here in Greater Manchester, and we’ve no doubt there’s more to come.
Danny Jones -
9th March 2023 
