Arsenal Legend, Paul Merson has admitted that he would be 'shocked' if Ighalo Accepts the Big Money contract from Parent Club Shanghai Shenhua over dream Club Manchester United.

The Former Arsenal Forward/ Attacking midfielder who featured for the Gunners from 1985 to 1997 hitting the back of the net 78 times was full of Praises for the Retired Super Eagles forward stating that he had been able to prove critics wrong each time he steps into the pitch to play despite his limited time

“When Odion Ighalo arrived at Manchester United in January, I didn't really want to get involved in any conversations about him because, either way, there was a danger of being made to look silly,” Merson told Sky Sports.


“If you said he was going to be awful he could embarrass you badly by performing like he did during that brilliant year he had with Watford or if you said he was going to be a good signing, he could still be the player who put in some awful showings just before he left Watford.



“I didn't want to get involved in that because it was a no-win situation.

“However, what I can say now is that he's been absolutely outstanding since he arrived at Old Trafford.

“I know he hasn't played a lot of football but when he's come off the bench and when he has got some game time, he's looked class.


“It's a hard decision Manchester United have to make regarding his future because if you give him a contract, can he perform again then next season?"



“When you go to a club on loan you've got that hunger of wanting to secure a permanent move, prove everybody inside the club right and everybody outside the club wrong. All of a sudden, you give someone a contract and they think they've done all the hard work," he continued.


“You've only got to look at his time at Watford. He looked a world-beater but then next minute he couldn't score a goal for toffee. But if you are going on the form he's showed since coming to the club in January it's going to be hard to get rid of him.


“And don't worry about the new mega-money offers in China.“He's said all the right things since joining Manchester United. 


He's turned around enough times and said he's dreamed of playing for United so if they do offer him a permanent deal, I can't see him turning it down.

“Everything's gone right for him so far and if United do offer him a chance to stay, I'd be shocked if he walked away."


Ighalo's Loan Contract with the Reds is set to expire by may 31st with United looking to seal a permanent deal and Chinese outfit Shanghai Shenhua are not folding their hands as they have  tabled a whooping 400k per week wages to brush off interest from the Red devils.






The 30 years old recently won the goal of the Month award for March, his Superb strike against LASK in the Europa League earned him the award.Watch the goal Here