I would have loved to extend my contract at Manchester United - Ighalo

Al-Shabab striker Odion Ighalo says he would have loved to extend his stay at Manchester United if he was offered a new deal and guaranteed better playing time.

Ighalo fulfilled his childhood dream by joining Manchester United on an initial six months loan deal from Chinese Super League outfit Shanghai Shenhua in January 2020.

Manchester United decided to extend the deal by a further six months following his good exploits, where he scored five goals to help the team finished in the top four and reach the semi-final of the Europa League and FA Cup last season.

The 31-year-old later fell behind Antony Martial and Edinson Cavani in the pecking order and managed to make one substitute appearance in the premier league, before his contract with the club elapsed.

In his first official interview since leaving the premier league giants, Ighalo told brila.net, he would have considered remaining at Manchester United, if he was guaranteed better playing time.

The former Super Eagles striker stressed further that he has to prioritize his future as he doesn’t have many years left in the round leather game.

“I would have signed an extension at Manchester United if I was offered a new contract and guaranteed game time. I don’t have long to play anymore; maybe just one or two more contracts, but I need to play.”