Solskjaer hails Ighalo as Man Utd’s loan star makes it THREE goals in two starts with Derby double

OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER hailed two-goal Odion Ighalo after Manchester United beat ex-hero Wayne Rooney’s Derby.

The Nigerian striker struck in each half — adding to Luke Shaw’s 33rd-minute opener — to seal an FA Cup quarter-final trip to Norwich.

That is three goals in just two starts since joining on loan from Shanghai Shenhua.

Boss Solskjaer said: “He’s only going to get better. Odion is doing what it says on the tin and what we asked when we signed him.

“He’s playing up front, is a different type of striker, scores and gets chances every game.

“Today he could have had another couple. I’m very happy with him. He gives us a chance when the other two, Mason Greenwood and Anthony Martial, aren’t playing, keeping them fresh.

“He’s experienced and scored goals his entire career. He’s always in and around the box and there when the chances come along. That type of striker is vital for a team.

“You look at him and he’s got physical presence, he gets hold of the ball.

“It’s hard to play as a central defender against him. He looks at you first and buys himself half a yard by his movement.

“I’d like my young lads to look at him and learn a couple of things.”

Solskjaer is currently enjoying the best run since he took over last season – nine games unbeaten, winning six and keeping seven clean sheets.

And the United boss believes they will not wilt like last season.

He said: “They’re fitter and have a better mentality. We’ve had a winter break, we’ve added signings. We’re fit as in injury free, getting players back. The whole squad is ready to go.

“It was around this time, we had I don’t know how many hamstring injuries. They weren’t ready for what we asked them to do.”

Meanwhile, it was not to be for United’s 253-goal record scorer Wayne Rooney up against his old club.

He almost pulled off a magical free-kick at the death, only for keeper Sergio Romero to brilliantly tip it over the bar.

Roo said: “Sergio was not in a kind mood, he could’ve let that one in. It would’ve been nice but it wasn’t to be.”

Solskjaer added: “They’re so desperate to keep clean sheets. Sergio didn’t read the script, did he?”

Meanwhile, the United boss says the club will go all guns blazing for the FA Cup as well as the Europa League and a Champions League spot.

He said: “We’ve had seven away draws in a row now – so will have to do it the hard way.

“But we won’t pick and choose which competitions we want to win, you can’t do that at a club like Manchester United.

“We’ve a strong squad and I’m happy.”