Manchester United to make a shock loan move for former Watford striker

Manchester United could be lining up a shock transfer move for former Watford striker Odion Ighalo if reports in England are to be believed. 

The Red Devils are looking to bring in a new number nine on loan as emergency cover for their star forward Marcus Rashford. 

The 22-year-old England international is set to be out for at least eight weeks due to a stress fracture in his back. 

And, as per reports in England, former Watford striker Ighalo has emerged as a target of the Red Devils as they believe that the Nigerian could be a decent short-term solution. 

The 30-year-old is right now plying his trade in Chinese Super League side with Shanghai Shenhua. The 35-capped Nigerian international has two years left on his contract in the Far East after moving from relegated Changchun Yatai for the 2019 season. 

Ighalo has fond memories in England from his three years' time at the Vicarage Road. After joining Watford in 2014, initially on loan, he powered the Hornets to promotion in his first season at Vicarage Road. 

His first season in the Premier League was also a stellar one as netted 15 Premier League goals. But after signing a new five-year contract with Watford, he managed just one league goal in the 2016/17 campaign before moving to China for £20million. 

He could be given another chance to make his impression in English football and this time with a much bigger club like Manchester United. 

The Red Devils are having their worst season in 30 years but are still pretty much in contention for a top-four finish considering fourth-placed Chelsea are also struggling. 

And, in order to boost their top four hopes, the Red Devils are eyeing a move for the experienced striker. 

The 20-time English champions are set to miss their top scorer Rashford for almost two months and it would intensify their need for goal-scorers. 

They started the season without replacing either Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez and Daniel James and Anthony Martial's form have been on the decline as well.

The Red Devils missed out on Erling Haaland's signing as the Norwegian wonderkid opted for a move to Borussia Dortmund and he has had a sensational start to life at Signal Iduna Park scoring five goals in his first two games. 

Edinson Cavani has also been linked with a move to Old Trafford this month as he tries to force through an exit from Paris Saint-Germain. But, the Uruguayan superstar is also chased by the duo of Chelsea and Atletico Madrid.

Featured Image credits- ESPN