Manchester United have been dealt a hammer blow this week, as it has been announced that they could be without Odion Ighalo when the Premier League resumes in June. United had been in talks to extend the loan deal. But it would seem that the Red Devils and Shanghai Shenhua have been unable to reach a deal that would appease both sides.
The news would come as a disappointment for the Nigerian striker, who would have been hoping to end the current season with his boyhood club. Ighalo has impressed since joining the club in the winter, as he has scored four goals in eight games. That is an impressive strike rate of a goal every other game for the Red Devils. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had been hoping that a deal could be reached, with United still fighting on three fronts this season.
Ighalo To Return To China
However, it would seem that United’s discussions have hit a brick wall as Shenhua no longer want to negotiate with United, and will be expecting the striker back when his loan period has ended. If that is the case, then Ighalo would have played his last game for the Red Devils. As he will return back to China on the 1st June. It has been reported that United are still fighting to extend the loan deal, but they have already ruled out trying to sign the Nigerian on a permanent deal.
Fans would be disappointed to see him go, as he has been an integral part to United’s team over the past number of months. However, ultimately, United decided that there is no need to push harder than they must to complete the deal as Marcus Rashford is also expected to be fully fit again when the Premier League resumes. The Englishman will join Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood as possible attacking options for Solskjaer.
United’s Loan Gesture To Clubs
United also made positive headlines on Monday, as they revealed that they will be waiving fees on loan deals involving clubs in financial strain because of the outbreak of the coronavirus. United have admitted that they will not be asking money off Bolton Wanderers, Burton Albion and Hearts as part of the announcement. The financial impact on clubs in the lower regions of English football has been huge, and there is still a chance that these clubs could face months of uncertainty.
In other United loan news, the club have reportedly agreed to let Dean Henderson stay on loan at Sheffield United until the end of the season. The 23-year-old has been in amazing form for the Blades throughout the season and has been an integral player in their first season back in the top-flight. The loan was due to expire at the beginning of June.
But United have reportedly allowed the goalkeeper to stay with the Blades until the season has reached its conclusion. It could be a potentially disastrous decision by United, as they are in direct competition with the Blades for a European place.
