On 31 January 2020, Ighalo returned to the Premier League, joining Manchester United on loan until the end of the season.
In doing so, he became the first Nigerian player, and only the seventh African, to join the club.
After the move was confirmed, Ighalo revealed that he had taken a pay cut to make the move happen, calling it a "dream" to join the club he has long supported.
He opted to wear the number 25 shirt, previously worn by Manchester United's first and longest-serving African player, Quinton Fortune of South Africa.
After three substitute appearances, Ighalo made his full debut for United in their Europa League round of 32 second leg match against Club Brugge on 27 February 2020.
He scored his first United goal, which was also his maiden goal in a European competition, as the hosts won 5–0.
A week later, he scored his first brace for the club as United beat Derby County 3–0 in the FA Cup.
On Manchester United's final game before the suspension of football due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Ighalo scored a half-volley after juggling the ball in a 5–0 win over LASK ; it was voted Manchester United's goal of the month for March.
On 1 June Manchester United announced that they had agreed to extend Ighalo's loan deal until 30 January 2021.
On 26 January 2021, Ighalo posted a farewell message on social media, ahead of his imminent departure from Manchester United at the end of the month. Manchester United confirmed Ighalo's departure the following day.
But the event both took place on social media with the club showing all the praises on the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations highest goal scorer.
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