Odion Ighalo said on Tuesday he was living the dream after his loan move to Manchester United was extended despite the coronavirus pandemic.

The Nigeria international, a lifelong United fan, joined the club on loan from Shanghai Shenhua in January due to the COVID-19 situation then prevailing in China.

But the virus then spread to Europe and brought the Premier League season to a halt in mid-March.

It looked then as if the 30-year-old's career with United might amount to just eight games given his original deal was due to expire on May 31.

But ahead of the Premier League season resuming on June 17, United said Monday they had agreed with Shenhua to extend Ighalo's loan move until January.

"I'm really happy. It's a dream for me to be here. I'm buzzing and ready to go," Ighalo told MUTV.

"The last few days have been difficult as there have been different talks about it but now I'm really happy, so I need to concentrate fully. I'm here until the end of January, so it's good for me."

The most recent of Ighalo's four goals for United came in a Europa League match away to LASK, a fixture played behind closed doors as a result of coronavirus measures in Austria.

Fixtures without spectators will become the norm when the Premier League resumes and Ighalo, recalling his experience, said: "It was strange, you know, but it's OK.

"We know there is nothing we can do now but play behind closed doors and we're happy to do it.

"In the game against LASK, it was strange because you could hear everything when your team-mates shouted. In a normal game, you can't hear, but it was clear and loud.

"It's a bit strange without fans, and difficult, but we have to be safe so we have to do it."

Odion Ighalo said on Tuesday he was living the dream after his loan move to Manchester United was extended despite the coronavirus pandemic. The Nigeria international, a lifelong United fan, joined the club on loan from Shanghai Shenhua in January due to the COVID-19 situation then prevailing in China.

Odion Ighalo said on Tuesday he was living the dream after his loan move to Manchester United was extended despite the coronavirus pandemic. The Nigeria international, a lifelong United fan, joined the club on loan from Shanghai Shenhua in January due to the COVID-19 situation then prevailing in China. But the virus then spread to Europe and brought the Premier League season to a halt in mid-March. It looked then as if the 30-year-old's career with United might amount to just eight games given his original deal was due to expire on May 31. But ahead of the Premier League season resuming on June 17, United said Monday they had agreed with Shenhua to extend Ighalo's loan move until January. "I'm really happy. It's a dream for me to be here. I'm buzzing and ready to go," Ighalo told MUTV. "The last few days have been difficult as there have been different talks about it but now I'm really happy, so I need to concentrate fully. I'm here until the end of January, so it's good for me." The most recent of Ighalo's four goals for United came in a Europa League match away to LASK, a fixture played behind closed doors as a result of coronavirus measures in Austria. Fixtures without spectators will become the norm when the Premier League resumes and Ighalo, recalling his experience, said: "It was strange, you know, but it's OK. "We know there is nothing we can do now but play behind closed doors and we're happy to do it. "In the game against LASK, it was strange because you could hear everything when your team-mates shouted. In a normal game, you can't hear, but it was clear and loud. "It's a bit strange without fans, and difficult, but we have to be safe so we have to do it."

Ighalo elated by 'dream' Man Utd extension

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has challenged Manchester United to compete on three fronts after they moved into the FA Cup quarter-finals with a 3-0 win at Wayne Rooney's Derby on Thursday.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/uefa-europa-league-martials-goal-helps-man-utd-draw-match-against-club-brugge-281960">UEFA Europa League: Martial's goal helps Man Utd draw match against Club Brugge</a>

Solskjaer's side were never in danger of a shock fifth-round exit against the second tier Rams as Luke Shaw's opener and Odion Ighalo's double booked a quarter-final trip to Norwich.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-lampard-asks-for-chelsea-fight-after-smash-and-grab-manchester-united-defeat-281237">Premier League: Lampard asks for Chelsea fight after smash and grab Manchester United defeat</a>

Rooney, United's record goalscorer, is back in English football after moving to Derby from DC United in January and he was twice denied by Sergio Romero in his first meeting with his old club since 2018.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Presenting your <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MUFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MUFC</a> Man of the Match... 
 
🔥 <a href="https://twitter.com/ighalojude?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IghaloJude</a> 🔥 <a href="https://t.co/DRFtddnudb">pic.twitter.com/DRFtddnudb</a>
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) <a href="https://twitter.com/ManUtd/status/1235694986571677696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

But United were always on top and extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to nine games ahead of Sunday's derby showdown with Manchester City at Old Trafford.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Catching up with old friends 🤗 
 
Great to see you, <a href="https://twitter.com/WayneRooney?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WayneRooney</a> - good luck for the rest of the season 👍<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MUFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MUFC</a> <a href="https://t.co/4b1Jx1mBhZ">pic.twitter.com/4b1Jx1mBhZ</a>
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) <a href="https://twitter.com/ManUtd/status/1235685729466007553?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

They remain in the hunt for the FA Cup, the Europa League and still have a chance of qualifying for the Champions League via the Premier League.

United are fifth, three points behind Chelsea, and Solskjaer has urged his players to keep their foot on the gas as they look to turn a troubled season into a memorable finale.

"Today was the highest priority because we're not going to pick and choose games or competitions. We have to go for everything, that's what it is to be at Manchester United," Solskjaer said.

"It's another away draw, we're use to that now. Is it a seventh in a row? We'll have to do it the hard way if want to go all the way. We've got a chance now.

"I'm very pleased with the performance and to go through. You never know, away from home, being the favourites and having City on Sunday how it'll affect their mindset, but it was professional.

"We've found form and defended well, we've had seven clean sheets in those nine games."

United are chasing a record-equalling 13th FA Cup triumph.

They took control at Pride Park after 33 minutes when Shaw scored just his second career goal, his volley bouncing over Kelle Roos via a deflection off Jesse Lingard.

Nigerian striker Ighalo, signed on loan from Shanghai Shenhua in January, got the second goal seven minutes later.

Martyn Waghorn went close for Derby after the break but Ighalo ended the contest when he fired home to complete his double with 20 minutes left.

"He's doing what he says on the tin and what we asked for when we signed him. I'm very happy with him. That type of striker is vital for a team.," Solskjaer said of former Watford forward Ighalo.

"There's more to come. He'll improve and get sharper and more used to us. I've got no doubt he'll only get better."

Former England star Rooney, who left United to rejoin Everton in 2017, almost grabbed a consolation but Romero produced an excellent stop to turn his late free-kick over.

Rams boss Phillip Cocu said: "If the first free-kick goes in, sometimes it defines a game.

"You have to be really effective and on that side, they were much better than we were.

"I'm quite satisfied with the performance."

&nbsp;

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has challenged Manchester United to compete on three fronts after they moved into the FA Cup quarter-finals with a 3-0 win at Wayne Rooney's Derby on Thursday.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has challenged Manchester United to compete on three fronts after they moved into the FA Cup quarter-finals with a 3-0 win at Wayne Rooney's Derby on Thursday. Also read: UEFA Europa League: Martial's goal helps Man Utd draw match against Club Brugge Solskjaer's side were never in danger of a shock fifth-round exit against the second tier Rams as Luke Shaw's opener and Odion Ighalo's double booked a quarter-final trip to Norwich. Also read: Premier League: Lampard asks for Chelsea fight after smash and grab Manchester United defeat Rooney, United's record goalscorer, is back in English football after moving to Derby from DC United in January and he was twice denied by Sergio Romero in his first meeting with his old club since 2018. Presenting your #MUFC Man of the Match... 🔥 @IghaloJude 🔥 pic.twitter.com/DRFtddnudb — Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 5, 2020 × But United were always on top and extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to nine games ahead of Sunday's derby showdown with Manchester City at Old Trafford. Catching up with old friends 🤗 Great to see you, @WayneRooney - good luck for the rest of the season 👍#MUFC pic.twitter.com/4b1Jx1mBhZ — Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 5, 2020 × They remain in the hunt for the FA Cup, the Europa League and still have a chance of qualifying for the Champions League via the Premier League. United are fifth, three points behind Chelsea, and Solskjaer has urged his players to keep their foot on the gas as they look to turn a troubled season into a memorable finale. "Today was the highest priority because we're not going to pick and choose games or competitions. We have to go for everything, that's what it is to be at Manchester United," Solskjaer said. "It's another away draw, we're use to that now. Is it a seventh in a row? We'll have to do it the hard way if want to go all the way. We've got a chance now. "I'm very pleased with the performance and to go through. You never know, away from home, being the favourites and having City on Sunday how it'll affect their mindset, but it was professional. "We've found form and defended well, we've had seven clean sheets in those nine games." United are chasing a record-equalling 13th FA Cup triumph. They took control at Pride Park after 33 minutes when Shaw scored just his second career goal, his volley bouncing over Kelle Roos via a deflection off Jesse Lingard. Nigerian striker Ighalo, signed on loan from Shanghai Shenhua in January, got the second goal seven minutes later. Martyn Waghorn went close for Derby after the break but Ighalo ended the contest when he fired home to complete his double with 20 minutes left. "He's doing what he says on the tin and what we asked for when we signed him. I'm very happy with him. That type of striker is vital for a team.," Solskjaer said of former Watford forward Ighalo. "There's more to come. He'll improve and get sharper and more used to us. I've got no doubt he'll only get better." Former England star Rooney, who left United to rejoin Everton in 2017, almost grabbed a consolation but Romero produced an excellent stop to turn his late free-kick over. Rams boss Phillip Cocu said: "If the first free-kick goes in, sometimes it defines a game. "You have to be really effective and on that side, they were much better than we were. "I'm quite satisfied with the performance."

FA Cup: Ighalo double denies Rooney as Manchester United move into quarters

Nigerian&nbsp;Odion&nbsp;Ighalo&nbsp;scored a hat-trick, Moroccan Faycal Fajr spared blushes and Zimbabwean Knowledge Musona was a hero and villain in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying Saturday.

China-based&nbsp;Ighalo&nbsp;bagged a matchday 3 treble as Nigeria crushed Libya 4-0 in Uyo to continue a Group E recovery after starting with a shock home defeat by South Africa.

Fajr converted a penalty seven minutes into stoppage time as Morocco sneaked a 1-0 Group B win in Casablanca over the Comoros, ranked 104 places below them in the world. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Captain Musona scored and was sent off within five minutes as Zimbabwe went clear in Group G thanks to an upset 2-1 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo in Kinshasa.

There was also a record six-goal victory for South Africa and a goalkeeping howler that gifted Namibia three points in Mozambique as the third series of qualifiers was completed.

Ighalo&nbsp;converted a fourth-minute spot-kick after being fouled and rounded goalkeeper Mohamed Nashnush to tap in and double the lead on 58 minutes. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

When a Libyan failed to cut off a low cross, former Watford striker&nbsp;Ighaloscrambled the ball into the net to complete his hat-trick with a quarter of the qualifier remaining.

A last-minute Samuel Kalu goal completed the rout of the 'Mediterranean Knights', whose Belgian coach Adel Amrouche quit this week over unpaid salaries.

Nigeria lie second with six points, one less than South Africa, who scored a record 6-0 win over the Seychelles in rain-lashed Johannesburg.

Goalkeeper Romeo Barra prevented an even more embarrassing scoreline for the Indian Ocean islanders as South Africa bettered the five goals they netted against Guatemala in 2010.

- Brilliant back-heel -

Lebo Mothiba, who has been in sparkling French Ligue 1 form, was among the scorers and set up a goal for Percy Tau with a brilliant back-heel. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Another Indian Ocean island state, the Comoros, were on the verge of their greatest achievement as they frustrated 2018 World Cup qualifiers Morocco for 96 minutes.&nbsp;

But then came heartbreak for the visitors as they conceded a penalty and Fajr scored to lift Morocco within a point of Group B pacesetters Cameroon.

Ronald Pfumbidzai struck a superb goal midway through the first half to put Zimbabwe on the road to glory at a packed 80,000-seat Stade des Martyrs.

Musona doubled the lead and then cynically fouled Issama Mpeko for which he got his second yellow card of the match followed by a red.

Yannick Bolasie nodded a stoppage-time consolation goal for the Congolese as they suffered a rare loss in their Kinshasa fortress.

Zimbabwe top the table with seven points, three more than central African neighbours DR Congo and Congo Brazzaville.&nbsp;

Mozambique goalkeeper Jose Guirrugo allowed a long-range, stoppage-time shot from substitute Deon Hotto slip from his grasp and into the net as Namibia fought back to win 2-1 in Maputo.

Group K is the tightest of the 12 mini-leagues with Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, Namibia and Zambia all on four points with equal goal differences.&nbsp;

Leaders Tunisia battled to a 1-0 Group J win in Rades over Niger, who conceded six goals in Egypt last month amid complaints of a "beans-and-water" diet.

Yassine Meriah scored after 17 minutes for the 'Carthage Eagles', who had Ghailene Chaalali red-carded in the closing stages.&nbsp;

Matchday 4 begins Sunday with fixtures in Kenya and Guinea-Bissau followed by a further 21 qualifiers two days later.

Nigerian Odion Ighalo scored a hat-trick, Moroccan Faycal Fajr spared blushes and Zimbabwean Knowledge Musona was a hero and villain in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying Saturday.

Nigerian Odion Ighalo scored a hat-trick, Moroccan Faycal Fajr spared blushes and Zimbabwean Knowledge Musona was a hero and villain in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying Saturday. China-based Ighalo bagged a matchday 3 treble as Nigeria crushed Libya 4-0 in Uyo to continue a Group E recovery after starting with a shock home defeat by South Africa. Fajr converted a penalty seven minutes into stoppage time as Morocco sneaked a 1-0 Group B win in Casablanca over the Comoros, ranked 104 places below them in the world. Captain Musona scored and was sent off within five minutes as Zimbabwe went clear in Group G thanks to an upset 2-1 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo in Kinshasa. There was also a record six-goal victory for South Africa and a goalkeeping howler that gifted Namibia three points in Mozambique as the third series of qualifiers was completed. Ighalo converted a fourth-minute spot-kick after being fouled and rounded goalkeeper Mohamed Nashnush to tap in and double the lead on 58 minutes. When a Libyan failed to cut off a low cross, former Watford striker Ighaloscrambled the ball into the net to complete his hat-trick with a quarter of the qualifier remaining. A last-minute Samuel Kalu goal completed the rout of the 'Mediterranean Knights', whose Belgian coach Adel Amrouche quit this week over unpaid salaries. Nigeria lie second with six points, one less than South Africa, who scored a record 6-0 win over the Seychelles in rain-lashed Johannesburg. Goalkeeper Romeo Barra prevented an even more embarrassing scoreline for the Indian Ocean islanders as South Africa bettered the five goals they netted against Guatemala in 2010. - Brilliant back-heel - Lebo Mothiba, who has been in sparkling French Ligue 1 form, was among the scorers and set up a goal for Percy Tau with a brilliant back-heel. Another Indian Ocean island state, the Comoros, were on the verge of their greatest achievement as they frustrated 2018 World Cup qualifiers Morocco for 96 minutes. But then came heartbreak for the visitors as they conceded a penalty and Fajr scored to lift Morocco within a point of Group B pacesetters Cameroon. Ronald Pfumbidzai struck a superb goal midway through the first half to put Zimbabwe on the road to glory at a packed 80,000-seat Stade des Martyrs. Musona doubled the lead and then cynically fouled Issama Mpeko for which he got his second yellow card of the match followed by a red. Yannick Bolasie nodded a stoppage-time consolation goal for the Congolese as they suffered a rare loss in their Kinshasa fortress. Zimbabwe top the table with seven points, three more than central African neighbours DR Congo and Congo Brazzaville. Mozambique goalkeeper Jose Guirrugo allowed a long-range, stoppage-time shot from substitute Deon Hotto slip from his grasp and into the net as Namibia fought back to win 2-1 in Maputo. Group K is the tightest of the 12 mini-leagues with Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, Namibia and Zambia all on four points with equal goal differences. Leaders Tunisia battled to a 1-0 Group J win in Rades over Niger, who conceded six goals in Egypt last month amid complaints of a "beans-and-water" diet. Yassine Meriah scored after 17 minutes for the 'Carthage Eagles', who had Ghailene Chaalali red-carded in the closing stages. Matchday 4 begins Sunday with fixtures in Kenya and Guinea-Bissau followed by a further 21 qualifiers two days later.

Ighalo hat-trick for Nigeria, Fajr rescues Morocco

ighalo

Ighalo, News on Ighalo, stories on Ighalo, articles on Ighalo, Ighalo stories at Wion, Ighalo news, Ighalo latest news