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Dimitar Berbatov backs Odion Ighalo to succeed at Manchester United

Former Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov backs Odion Ighalo to be a success at the club, despite being surprised at the decision to sign him on deadline day.

Former Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov has backed Odion Ighalo to succeed at the club following his deadline-day loan move from Shanghai Shenhua.

Ighalo was the surprise solution to United's extensive search for a new striker before the January transfer window closed, joining from the Chinese Super League club on a short-term deal until the end of the season.

The 30-year-old scored 16 goals in 55 Premier League appearances during his time at Watford and has been signed as cover for the injured Marcus Rashford, bolstering United's attacking options alongside Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood.

"Manchester United needed to sign a striker but I was still surprised when they brought in Odion Ighalo on loan," Berbatov told Betfair.

"I think it's a good move for United because Ighalo has played in the Premier League, and did well with Watford, so he will know what to expect.

"He's scored plenty of goals in China and his record for Nigeria is impressive too. I want to see him play as soon as possible because I'm curious to see how he will fit in to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's plans.

"Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial both like to cut in from the left so United have arguably lacked a natural number nine this season. That's what Ighalo should give them and I will be interested to see how they play with him in the side."

Ighalo, whose last competitive outing came as a sub on December 6, could make his United debut away to Chelsea on February 17.

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Barney Corkhill
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Odion Ighalo pictured in June 2019
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