'After long years of sacrifices he deserves that prize'- Odion Ighalo's agent reveals reasons behind his Manchester United success

Following Odion Ighalo’s heroics since joining Manchester United in January, his agent Patrick Bastianelli has come out to reveal why the Ajegunle born striker was meant to succeed in his career and crown it with playing for Manchester United.

Former Watford striker, Ighalo, 30, has been a hit at United after joining from Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua, scoring four goals already and helping United to fifth place in the Premier League before football in England was suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Ighalo’s agent, Patrick Bastianelli believes the 30-year-old’s hardwork over the years and positive mentality is the reason why he has succeeded at Manchester United, a club he supported since childhood.

Ighalo debuted in Europe in 2007 after joining Norwegian club Lyn Oslo, having played for Prime and Julius Berger in the Nigerian league. From Oslo he signed for Italian club, Udinese and after six years including loan spells at Granada and Watford he joined Watford permanetly in 2014 where he went on to score 33 league goals in 82 appearances before leaving for China in 2017 then in January joined Manchester United on loan from Shanghai Shenhua.

“Odion is reaping what he deserves after many sacrifices, after many years around Europe. Manchester is a prize for everything he’s shown in recent years,” Bastianelli told Italian news outlet Tuttosport on Tuesday.

“It’s part of his character, of his great seriousness,” he added. “He scored many goals. He always has a positive attitude.

“Odion is a person who always looks ahead, always in a positive way.”

His agent talking about the moment Ighalo netted his first goal for United in the 5-0 Europa League second leg victory over Club Brugge at Old Trafford, said: “It was also exciting for us to see his reaction, the happiness in his eyes. Couldn’t believe it.”