Super Eagles of Nigeria striker Odion Ighalo is in line for his Manchester United debut when they face hosts Chelsea in a crucial league clash on Monday night.
The ex-Watford striker joined Manchester United on deadline day during the winter transfer window last month and he could be the player to fire the Red Devils back to Champions League football after one season.
Manchester United missed out on Champions League football this season after a sixth-placed finish at the end of the last league campaign and manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would be hoping to lead his team back to the competition next season.
The Chelsea game is significant for Manchester United as they have the opportunity to close the gap on their opponents who occupy the fourth and final place for Champions League qualification.
Fifth position could still be good enough for a spot in the Champions League next season after second-placed Manchester City were subject of a transfer ban in Europe.
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Manchester City have been banned from any form of European competition over the next two seasons after breaching FFP (Financial Fair Play) rules.
Odion Ighalo was the second signing for Manchester United during the January transfer window after Portuguese international Bruno Fernandes and he could be the man to fire the Red Devils back into the Champions League.
Ighalo could perform miracles for Manchester United in the following ways:
1. Goals
Manchester United have struggled for goals in the absence of Marcus Rashford and Odion Ighalo could add firepower to a lean Manchester United frontline without Rashford who has 19 goals in all competitions.
2. Premier League Experience
He has adequate Premier League experience and that could be a useful ammunition for him and his new team between now and the rest of the season.
3. Plan B
Odion Ighalo will provide Solskjaer with a second option in attack even if Marcus Rashford returns to the team as expected next month.
