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Ighalo's Man United future uncertain amid coronavirus crisis - sources

Odion Ighalo is facing an uncertain future at Manchester United with his loan deal set to expire on May 31, sources have told ESPN.

The striker moved to Old Trafford in a short-term transfer from Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua on the final day of the January window.

The agreement would have covered United's campaign until after the Europa League final on May 27, but that has now been thrown into doubt after the Premier League and European club competitions were suspended indefinitely because of the coronavirus crisis.

As things stand, the Premier League are committed to finishing the season even if it means playing games through the summer and beyond. But unless Ighalo's loan can be renegotiated, the Nigeria international will have to leave on May 31.

Officially at least, United hold his registration until June 30 when the transfer window is due to re-open in China. However, with no agreement for the player to be at Old Trafford beyond the end of May the deal would need to be renegotiated. United would also need special permission from FIFA to keep the striker beyond July 1, when all loans across Europe's major leagues expire.

With the UK placed under lockdown by the government on Monday, there is no indication yet about when the season might be able to resume.

Former Watford striker Ighalo has been a success since arriving at Old Trafford, scoring four goals in just eight appearances.

The boyhood United fan has scored on each of his three starts against Club Brugge, Derby County and LASK Linz.