Ighalo’s agent claims Man Utd transfer was striker’s ‘prize’

Odion Ighalo’s agent, Patrick Bastianelli, believes the striker ‘deserved his prize’ of fulfilling his dream to play for Man Utd.

The Nigerian was a shock arrival at Old Trafford on deadline day of the January window, as United sealed a loan deal to bring him back to the UK from China.

Ighalo had performed well during a previous Premier League stint at Watford, but had all-but given up on signing for his boyhood club.

Yet agent Bastianelli insists his client’s reward is a product of years of hard work.

“Odion is reaping what he deserves after many sacrifices, after many years around Europe,” Bastianelli told TuttoSport (via Sport Witness ). “Manchester is a prize for everything he’s shown in recent years.”

Ighalo has enjoyed a roaring start to life at United, netting four times in as many starts, including a cracker in Thursday’s rout against LASK.

Rumours of a permanent contract have swirled as his impressive form has taken many by surprise, but not Basitanelli.

“It’s part of his character, of his great seriousness,” he added. “He scored many goals. He always has a positive attitude.”

“Odion is a person who always looks ahead, always in a positive way.”

Speaking of Ighalo’s first goal for Manchester United – against Club Brugge last month – the agent said: “It was also exciting for us to see his reaction, the happiness in his eyes. Couldn’t believe it…”

Meanwhile, another of United’s new boys has caught the eye of Red Devils full-back Diogo Dalot, who claimed Bruno Fernandes is already on his way to being a club great.

Dalot said: “He’s [Fernandes] a top guy, a top player. He is going to be legend.

Read Also:Ighalo nominated for maiden Manchester United award

“He’s unbelievable, he can better of course as well. He’s going to learn a lot from this club. I think he is a massive player to have in this team and he’s going to be a very good player for this club.

“He’s going to be a legend, no doubt about that.