Odion Ighalo is off the mark for Manchester United following their 5-0 thrashing of ten-man Club Brugge in the UEFA Europa League, UEL, round of 32 on Thursday at Old Trafford.
Ighalo marked his first start in a United shirt with a well-taken goal to double the lead for the Red Devils on the night after Bruno Fernandes opener from the spot against the Belgians, who had Simon Deli sent off as early as the 22nd minute.
The first Nigerian to play for #MUFC ✅
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 27, 2020
The first Nigerian to score for #MUFC ✅@IghaloJude ❤️ pic.twitter.com/oyM4ZCAE8U
Ighalo, who joined United on a six-month loan till the end of the season in January, becomes the first-ever Nigerian to score for United as he completed his first 90 minutes for the English side.
The 2019 AFCON top scorer and golden boot winner, who is a childhood United fan, dedicated his goal to his late sister, who passed on recently.
Meanwhile, Brazilian midfielder, Fred, however, stole the show with his brace, the second a beauty, while another smart finish from Scott McTominay, who started his first game since returning from injury, sealed a comprehensive 5-star display and win for United.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side advanced to the UEL round of 16 with a 6-1 aggregate win over Club Brugge, who were without their inspirational Nigerian forward, Dennis Bonaventure, who scored in the first leg, due to an injury.
The result also means United improved their record at home in the competition as they have now won all four matches at home in the Europa League this season.
Up next for Ighalo and United, they will find out their round of 16 opponent in Friday’s draw while they switch attention to the Premier League where they travel to the blue side of Merseyside to take on Everton on Sunday.
