And with his extortionate wages on top, they eventually decided it would simply cost too much to keep the veteran striker around.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been keen to keep Ighalo at Old Trafford, saying last week that he was hopeful of an extension.

He said: “The loan deal went until the end of May now, so obviously he’s supposed to be going back.

“We’re in dialogue. They’ve been great towards us, his club, and allowed him to play for his dream club.