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Tottenham wanted me but I chose to join Man United instead – I even took a pay cut

Manchester United host Tottenham at Old Trafford on Saturday night as the Premier League returns following the extended international break

By Abbie Meehan · Manchester Evening News

Published: Saturday, 10 October 2026 at 5:00 AM

Key Things to Know

Odion Ighalo rejected an approach from Tottenham Hotspur in 2020, taking a pay cut to join Manchester United.
The striker joined United on an initial six-month loan from Shanghai Shenhua before the deal was extended.
Tottenham and Jose Mourinho offered higher wages and a larger loan fee, but Ighalo prioritized United.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Odion Ighalo revealed that he chose a loan move to Manchester United over Tottenham Hotspur in January 2020, even accepting a pay cut to fulfill his ambition. Jose Mourinho wanted to bring the striker to Tottenham following an injury to Harry Kane, offering higher wages and a larger loan fee than United, but Ighalo insisted on moving to Old Trafford instead.

Ighalo made 23 appearances and contributed six goals during his year-long loan spell under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer from Shanghai Shenhua. The Nigerian forward later moved to Saudi Arabia, while United host Tottenham this weekend with Michael Carrick and Roberto De Zerbi in the respective dugouts.

Read the full article on Manchester Evening News

Tottenham wanted me but I chose to join Man United instead – I even took a pay cut

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