‘We’re in top shape, even Pogba’s back’
ODION IGHALO says Manchester United are on target to continue their sparkling form when football returns.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side were on an 11-game unbeaten run when the sport was suspended on March 13, a sequence that included nine wins.
And United already have experience of playing behind closed doors – in their 5-0 Europa League win away to Austrian side LASK Linz, the day before football shut down.
Ighalo, who has extended his loan spell until January 2021, believes United, in the hunt for a top-four place and FA Cup and Europa League glory, are in perfect shape ahead of the restart.
“I’m getting better and better every day,” he said. “I’m still working every day and we’ve been training together the past two weeks now.
“The sharpness is coming, the fitness is coming and everything is going well.
“Everybody is looking good – running, working hard. Everyone is back, even Paul Pogba is back training normally and Rashy [Marcus Rashford] is back training as normal.
“We’re working hard and I believe we’re going to do great.
“It’s been strange because you have to stay two metres apart to talk to your team-mates.”
Ighalo reckons the experience of having already played a game behind closed doors will be an advantage for Solskjaer, left, and his players.
“It was strange but it’s OK,” the striker told MUTV.
“We know there’s nothing we can do now but play behind closed doors and we’re happy to do it.
“In the game against LASK it was strange because you could hear everything when your team-mates shouted.
“In a normal game you can’t hear, but it was clear and loud. It’s a bit strange without fans, and difficult, but we have to be safe so we have to do it.
“I can’t wait for the league to start again. I’m really looking forward to it.”