Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Stated that Odion Ighalo is a “natural striker” after the striker scored his maiden Manchester United goal in the Europa League against Club Brugge.
Ighalo was replaced for Anthony Martial who had to step out because of his injury, It was his first appearance since his surprise loan move from Shanghai Shenhua last month.
The striker welcomed himself with a goal in the first half and led the crew as United went to seal the match with a 5-0 victory against Brugge to go through to the last 16 6-1 on aggregate.
Solskjaer said: “I’m very happy with the contribution of Odion, doing what he does. He’s a target man, we can play up to him, he’ll hold it, he’s got Juan (Mata) and Bruno (Fernandes) next to him and you’ve got runners then.
“I think as a fellow striker I know how important that first goal is. He’s been close a couple of times, you can see he sniffs goals. He wants to be there where it sometimes hurts. That goal, he’s sharp in his head. That’s a natural striker.”
Fernandes, who also joined alongside Ighalo, exclaimed Ighalo’s joining, as the striker scored in the opening goal from the penalty spot after an amazing handball from defender Simon Deli, who was sent off.
Later, it was Fernandes who stepped in and played a key role for the second part prior to Scott McTominay, making a comeback to the starting line-up after injury, as he grabbed a third before half-time.
Fernandes, pushed his team with two late goals while Solskjaer was optimistic after seeing a terrific performance from Fred.
The Norwegian said: “I’m very happy tonight. Obviously we’re in a moment now that we rotate a bit, players are getting games, but, when you score goals and play like this, you’re going to get more confidence.
“It was brilliant to see the start of the game, I thought they had the right intent, created loads of chances, and, when they go down to 10 men, of course, the game was more or less over.”
Fernandes has had a huge impact since his move from Sporting Lisbon, and Solskjaer said:
“Bruno coming in obviously makes a big, big difference. You can see he’s got a hand in all the three first goals. What a pass, what a goal Odion’s goal was.”
Two goals for Fred was another plus for Solskjaer men, with the Brazilian finding the net for the club for the first time since September 2018.
“I wasn’t sure if I was going to be alive the next time he was going to score a goal because he’s had so many attempts,” said Solskjaer with a smile.
“But one with his right, one with his left. It’s been an ongoing joke between us of course, but he got that goal and I’m very pleased for him.”
