Why we allowed Ighalo to stay at Manchester United – Shanghai Shenhua explains

A statement by Shanghai Shenhua has been released giving the reason they allowed Nigerian player Odion Ighalo to stay at Manchester United.

The Chinese Super League side have agreed on a deal with Man United, which allows the former Super Eagles  to stay at Old Trafford until January 2021.

The first six-month loan deal had expired May 31.

Shenhua says they decided to allow Ighalo remain with the Premier League club, due to the delayed start to the season and visa issues caused by the COVID-19 outbreak.

The club statement read thus: “In view of the uncertainty over the opening of the new Chinese Super League season and the uncertainty over foreign aid policy, Shanghai Greenland Shenhua and Manchester United have extended the loan for the Nigerian player, Odion Ighalo.”

Man United will pay a £6m loan fee and one-third of Ighalo’s £300,000-a-week contract.