Ole Gunnar Solskjaer highlights Odion Ighalo's qualities

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has explained his club's reasons for signing Odion Ighalo on a six-month loan deal before the end of the January transfer window.

The Red Devils were linked with a number of forwards last month before eventually moving for the 30-year-old, who has joined the 20-time English champions from Shanghai Shenhua for the remainder of the season.

"He's a different type of striker - a proven goalscorer, a physical presence," the Evening Standard quotes Solskjaer as saying. "It gives us a chance to rest Mason (Greenwood) and Anthony (Martial) at times.

"We want to go far in the Europa League, FA Cup. It was important we have another type of striker to use. Marcus (Rashford) is out for a little while and with him back we're a different team."

Ighalo, who arrived in Manchester on Sunday, could make his United debut in their next Premier League clash away to fellow top-four challengers Chelsea on February 17.