Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been impressed with the displays from Odion Ighalo since joining the club during the January transfer window. The Nigerian made the loan move from Shanghai Shenhua on deadline day and he has since proved a quality signing with three goals scored in all competitions.

Two of those goals came during the 3-0 win over Derby County in the FA Cup fifth round and speaking after that game, Solskjaer was full of praise for the former Watford man. The Norwegian added that the marksman could earn a permanent transfer in four months’ time, suppose he is able to perform consistently.

He told Sky Sports News:  “It doesn’t hurt [to live the dream] but he’s here on merit, he’s here because he is a goalscorer and a different type of striker for us. We might get to the summer and think we want to extend this, who knows? He’s come in as a breath of fresh air as well. He had chances in his five minutes against Chelsea, he scored against Brugge. He had chances against Watford, he had a very good save against Everton – there have been good saves, he doesn’t miss the target very often. Even for Anthony Martial, Mason Greenwood and Marcus Rashford to learn that it is where the sharks are swimming.”

Ighalo has scored each of his three goals in the Cup competitions and has yet to open the goalscoring account in the Premier League. However, the marksman has nonetheless created chances on goal and recently induced a superb save from goalkeeper Jordan Pickford during United’s 1-1 draw against Everton on the road.

United’s immediate focus will shift to the Premier League where they have a home game against Manchester City this weekend. They have had the better of the Citizens with two wins to one this season but need to produce their best in order to come up with maximum points from the league meeting.