EPL: Rio Ferdinand sends message to Man Utd about signing Ighalo permanently

Manchester United legend, Rio Ferdinand, has called on the club to sign Odion Ighalo on a permanent basis.

Ferdinand, speaking in an Instagram Q&A, compared the 30-year-old’s impact to that of Henrik Larsson in the 2006/2007 campaign.

Ole Gunnar brought in Ighalo in the January window on a six-month loan deal, following Marcus Rashford’s back injury.

Most observers raised eyebrows when the move was announced, but Ighalo has gone on to impress at Old Trafford.

The Nigerian striker has racked up four goals and one assist in eight appearances for the Red Devils.

“I think he’s warranted the opportunity to come in as a full-time player and what he’s given Manchester United which they didn’t have is someone they can pass the ball into and can hold it up, he’s got a physical presence, he can hold off a defender or two and lay the ball in for someone else to score,” Ferdinand said.