The former Super Eagles of Nigeria captain joined Manchester United in January 2020 from Chinese Super League club Shanghai Shenhua on an initial six-month loan.

His deal was later extended in June 2020 until January this year, when he left for Saudi Arabian side Al-Shabab after scoring five goals in 23 appearances for the Premier League club. 

Speaking to Sky Sports about his departure, Ighalo says he is 'so happy' he was able to represent Manchester United but admits he left his dream club due to a lack of game time.

Asked if he could have stayed beyond January this year, Ighalo said: 'There wasn't much possibility because I wanted more playing time. At my age, I want to play and not just sit on the bench and not have any minutes.

'I didn't just want to be there picking up a salary - I wanted to be involved so I said to my agent that if an offer comes in, I will look at it and see what's best for me, which is what I did.

'I'm so happy that my path crossed with Manchester United - it's the club I love with all my heart and for all my life so playing for them was a big privilege that I do not take for granted.

'No matter the circumstances that led me to leave, I will always be grateful to the coach, my team-mates, the fans, and everyone around Manchester United. After my initial loan was extended, I did not play much which was perhaps a bit unfair but as I said, I am always grateful for the opportunity.'

Ighalo also revealed that West Ham and West Brom both made offers to keep him in the Premier League when he was set to leave Manchester United, 

'Yeah, there was the possibility of West Ham and West Brom to stay in the Premier League, which I thought about,' he added.

'But after being at Manchester United, the biggest club in England if not the world, what else could I possibly do in the Premier League?

'I had good offers to stay in England, but I just didn't think I could stay after achieving my dream of playing for the club I had supported since I was young.' 

While there are reports that Paul Pogba, one of Ighalo's former United teammates could leave the club this summer, Ighalo believes the United board must do everything within their power to keep the 'influential' 28-year-old France midfielder. 

'He's one of the best players I've played with and one of the best players at Manchester United. Apart from playing on the pitch, he's a good guy in the dressing room, a funny guy, he's always happy.

'The only time he isn't happy is when he's not playing and I can understand that - everyone wants to play. If Manchester United have the opportunity to keep him on a new, longer deal, they should because he is so influential.'