Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says he is ‘delighted’ that Manchester United managed to agree an extension to Odion Ighalo’s loan at the club, while suggesting a new deal for Angel Gomes is ‘not too far away’.
Ighalo joined Manchester United from Shanghai Shenhua during the January transfer window and has made a positive impression since arriving at Old Trafford, scoring four times in just eight appearances in all competitions.
The Nigerian international was due to return to the Chinese Super League side this summer but an agreement has was reached to see the forward remain with the Red Devils until January 2021, and Solskjaer admits he is delighted to retain the services of the popular forward.
“We’re delighted Odion is staying with us,” Solskaer said at his pre-match press conference. “We had a good conversation with his club and he’s made a great impact, very pleasing, another option, he’s goalscorer, in and around the dressing room he’s great.”
Solskjaer also discussed the future of academy graduate Gomes, the midfielder having been linked with a move away from the club in recent months as he nears the end of his current contract, with Chelsea one of the clubs said to be interested.
The teenager has struggled for regular opportunities despite being highly-rated, and United are keen to secure his long-term future with Solskjaer confirming a new deal has been offered to the England youth international.
Right foot? Left foot? It doesn't matter to our Naija boy ????????????#MUFC @IghaloJude pic.twitter.com/yNzTmYKsuU
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 10, 2020
“With Angel, he’s a top kid we’ve had at the club for so many years, we’ve offered him a deal and hopefully he’ll take that and if not I wish him all the best.
“From what I understand it’s not too far away, if not we’ll wish him all the best.”
United return to action with a trip to face former manager Jose Mourinho and Tottenham tomorrow night, with the Red Devils in strong shape following the returns of Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba from long-term injuries.
Defensive duo Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe are the only absentees from an otherwise fully-fit squad available to Solskjaer, who will be hoping his side can continue their momentum from an 11-game unbeaten run prior to the season’s suspension.
“We have two players, Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe, who will miss this game and the start, let’s see how bad, but they are apart from that rest of the squad is fit and available.
“If selected, Marcus [Rashford] and Paul [Pogba] have been out for a long long period, but they’re available, so how long they’re going to play for, let’s see.”
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