Paul Merson, a controversial football pundit and Arsenal hero, has expressed doubt about Odion Ighalo’s ability to succeed at Old Trafford and has suggested that Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s position could be in jeopardy if the Nigerian international fails to make an impact.
The former England footballer and manager also indicated that the pressure is mounting on executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward, with both United bosses facing scrutiny after a disappointing campaign.
According to Merson’s column in the Daily Star, “Odion Ighalo could be the final straw at Manchester United.
“If that signing is a disaster then Ed Woodward and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer are in big trouble.
“Don’t get me wrong. He could rediscover the form he once he had at Watford and be a huge success. But he could be the biggest laughing stock the Premier League has ever seen.”
“Only time will tell. But remember, the last time he was here he only scored once in 18 games before Watford sold him and he’ll have gotten lazy playing in China.”
Merson also drew comparisons with Henrik Larsson but emphasized that Larsson had a world-class pedigree, unlike Ighalo, who is joining a struggling United side as the biggest team in his career.
“It’s a big ask, and if it all goes horribly wrong it will just pile more pressure on the manager because you’re always judged on your signings as well as your results.”
Ighalo, who scored 36 goals in 90 League games for Watford before moving to China, signed with Manchester United on loan from Shanghai Greenland Shenhua for the rest of the 2019/20 season.