After scoring seven goals in his first 12 matches for Watford in the Premier League, Odion Ighalo is high on confidence that his side can contain Manchester United’s threat in Saturday’s early game at Vicarage Road.
The Nigerian has been a revelation this season and is looking to continue scoring after the international break where he helped the Super Eagles reach the third round of 2018 World Cup qualifying series.
He’s capable of leading the line and holding off defenders, an asset that has been key in the Hornets’ campaign thus far.
“I’ve been working hard and giving my best, there’s nothing new since I’ve played against Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea,” Ighalo told Goal. “I’m looking forward to the game on Saturday and I just want to go back and relax for a day or two before the game and train.”
Having scored more than any member of the Red Devils so far, the 26-year-old is a potential threat to the English giants who will be without captain Wayne Rooney and youngster Anthony Martial.
United have won the last nine matches in all competitions against Watford, with the Hornets' last win coming back in September 1986, 1-0 at home in the league.
Yet Ighalo believes that the entire team would have to stand up against the visitors if they want to get a positive result.
“Manchester United is a big team, so I’m not going to say I’m a threat. Its team work, you know, I cannot play against 11 players alone. My team has been pushing in every game.
“We’re going to push Manchester United and give our best. As a striker I want to score goals and I hope to score on Saturday by God’s grace.
“If I don’t score, if we win the game, that’s the most important thing. I’m looking forward to the game and hopefully we’re going to have a good game,” he said.
Coming into the Premier League was down to his impressive partnership with captain Troy Deeney, which earned the Hornets 41 goals in the Championship last season.
Ighalo continues to enjoy that combination.
“Troy Deeney and I have been playing together for almost one and a half years now. We played together in the Championship, he scored 21 goals and I scored 20 last season.
“We’ve been working together all through pre-season, so it’s been going well, I’m happy about that.
“He’s a great striker, he’s a great guy, I like playing with him,” he said.
Among a slew of Africans doing well in the Premier League this season, Ighalo, who was nominated for the Barclays Player of the Month award in September, has had great impact transitioning from the Championship to the top cadre of the English game.
“It has not been easy [transitioning], it’s been hard work and God’s grace. God has been favouring me and I have been putting hard work into it,” he said.
“I really worked hard in pre-season and I think I’m enjoying every bit of it now.
“It’s not easy playing against big teams, you have to always defend and you have to take every little chance that comes your way.
“We’re underdogs in the Premier League so we have to fight to keep the team up.”
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