Man United: In a blink of an eye Ighalo lost a lifeline at Old Trafford

Odion Ighalo might have to pack his bags to ship off back to China and join forces with his parent club Shanghai Shenhua after reaching a standstill in contract talks over a permanent deal.

The life of Ighalo at Old Trafford looks as if it will be cut short and any chance of a permanent deal for Man United could be lifeless in the water. Reports suggest the striker’s parent club will block any move as they look to start their affairs in the Chinese Super League soon and before the Premier League kicks off again.

"Manchester United’s wish to extend Odion Ighalo’s loan beyond next Monday is set to be rejected, with Shanghai Greenland Shenhua unwilling to allow the striker to finish the Premier League campaign at Old Trafford.More from Manchester UnitedArsenal transfer news: Mikel Arteta rivals Manchester United for wonderkidManchester United: Erik ten Hag pinpoints 4 players amid Brighton lossManchester United predicted lineup vs Bayern Munich – UEFA Champions League 2023/243 reasons why other clubs are ‘annoyed’ by Erik ten Hag and Manchester UnitedManchester United: Erik ten Hag’s constant “crybaby” excuses don’t add upWith the China’s Super League expected to begin next month, having been delayed from its usual February commencement, Shenhua want the forward to return. This has caused Ighalo disquiet and while United have not given up hope, Solskjær has Marcus Rashford fit again after a serious back injury. (Via: theguardian.com)"

The player was impressing with each second he was out on the pitch. He made his presence felt in the opposition’s box and helped in the resurgence of the Red Devils. When he joined the club, he joined at the same time as star boy, Bruno Fernandes.

The two has helped United climb back up the table standings, within touching distance of fourth place (three points behind Chelsea), and the last Champions League slot. That and he had a hand in United’s 5-0 drubbing over LASK in the Europa League away from home, practically placing their one foot into the next round of the knockout stages.

Now he might not get to enjoy any of this again and might have to travel back home because his real owners want their most prized position back. Ole will have to sadly do without such a lethal weapon coming off from the bench but he does have first-choice Marcus Rashford back.

The Price is too high

Shanghai Shenhua wants too much money for their captain. A week ago The Top Flight reported a fee of £20 million was fancied by the Chinese club if they were to consider any deal for the Nigerian.

Unfortunately, the requested amount is not what they are looking to spend on a player who will take up a place on the bench for the majority of his time at the club. I mentioned in our Top Flight report, there are priority targets the Manchester club need to get over the line before they look at singing players for the bench.

Jadon Sancho, Jack Grealish, and another defender are said to be the top targets for this club. Adding to the frustration, the transfer market could and should be in all types of disorder.

Clubs financial statuses (not that Man United ever have budget issues) could have taken a massive hit due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This has all seen the life of Odion been cut short, prematurely.