Odion Ighalo Reveals How He Prayed for Manchester United’s Striker Search to Fail Before His Dream Move

Former Super Eagles striker, Odion Ighalo, has made a surprising confession about his dream transfer to Manchester United in 2020. The lifelong Red Devils fan admitted that he prayed for United’s pursuit of other strikers to fall through, so he could secure his dream move to Old Trafford.

Speaking on the podcast of Super Falcons attacker, Rasheedat Ajibade, the Al-Wehda striker revealed the behind-the-scenes drama before his historic move.

Ighalo’s Determination to Play for His Dream Club

“It was a dream when my agent called me that Manchester United wanted a striker on loan, because Martial was injured and Rashford was injured. He said they had four options for strikers and I was the third option.”

Knowing he wasn’t United’s first choice, Ighalo turned to prayers and faith, hoping the club’s top targets would fall through.

“I started praying against those other options, I prayed those options would not work, and that my opportunity to play for Manchester United must come to pass.”

His prayers were answered when United signed him on loan in January 2020, making him the first Nigerian player in history to wear the famous red jersey.

Opinion: Fate, Faith, or Just Football Business?

Ighalo’s revelation sparks an interesting conversation about faith, destiny, and the unpredictability of football transfers. While his passion and belief are commendable, football at the highest level is driven by business, scouting, and performance metrics.

Would United have still gone for him if their other targets were available? Maybe not. But Ighalo's sheer determination and willingness to take a pay cut showed that sometimes, passion and belief can tip the scales in football.

His enthusiasm, commitment, and professionalism during his short spell at United earned him respect among fans, proving that while he may not have been the club’s first choice, he was undoubtedly the right choice at the time.

What do you think? Was Ighalo’s transfer purely a result of faith, or was it just football fate?