How I Joined Manchester United on a Pay Cut – Odion Ighalo

Former Super Eagles striker, Odion Ighalo, has revealed that he took a significant pay cut to fulfill his dream of playing for Manchester United. The Nigerian forward, who joined the English club on loan from Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua in January 2020, described the move as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that he couldn’t pass up, even if it meant earning less than his previous salary.

In a recent interview, Ighalo opened up about the sacrifices he made to wear the iconic red jersey of Manchester United. According to him, playing for the club he had supported since childhood was more important than financial gain. “I didn’t even think twice,” he said. “I told my agent to make it happen, even if it meant taking a pay cut. It was a dream come true.”

At the time of his move, Ighalo was one of the highest-paid African players in the Chinese Super League. However, his passion for United outweighed the financial implications. His signing was initially met with skepticism, as many questioned whether he could perform at the highest level in the Premier League after playing in China.

Despite the doubts, Ighalo quickly won over fans with his impressive performances, scoring crucial goals in the FA Cup and Europa League. His physical presence and goal-scoring ability provided a valuable option for then-manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Although his loan spell was extended, he eventually left the club in early 2021 after United signed more attacking reinforcements.

Reflecting on his time at Old Trafford, Ighalo expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stating that representing Manchester United remains one of the proudest moments of his career. His decision to accept a pay cut underscores his passion for the game and his lifelong love for the club.

Even after his departure, Ighalo’s story continues to inspire many young African footballers, proving that sometimes, chasing a dream is more important than financial rewards.