The former Super Eagles star was handed his first start by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and he marked it with his first goal for the club as United thrash Club Brugge in the second leg of their Europa League last 32 clash.
Odion Ighalo joined Manchester United last month, but his three appearances before Thursday night have only been from the bench.
But with Anthony Martial ruled out through injury on Thursday night, Ighalo was given the opportunity to lead United’s attack.
It was a chance he took as he scored United’s second of the night after Bruno Fernandes opener from the penalty spot.
The Nigerian tapped home from a Juan Mata cutback following a brilliant pass from Fernandes.
Further goals from Scott Mctominay and a brace from Fred late in the second half secured a comprehensive win for United, but it was Ighalo who stole the headlines.
The former Watford man celebrated his goal by dedicating it to his late sister who passed away last December. Ighalo had revealed he would dedicate every he goal he scores for United to his late sister who slumped just weeks before last Christmas.
Man like @ighalojude! Scores his first goal for @ManUtd and dedicates it to his late sister. Mary Atole collapsed in her home in Canada on the morning of December 12 whilst getting her children ready for school. She was just 43 when she died. May her soul Rest In Peace. Amin. pic.twitter.com/eBpAZRgZec
— Babatunde Koiki (@BabatundeKoiki) February 27, 2020
Odion Ighalo dedicated his first United goal to his sister who died in December ❤️ https://t.co/ESZK8ryRCw
— B/R Football (@brfootball) February 27, 2020
The former Watford man had his sister’s name customised on his boot, while he also had a white shirt with her picture underneath his jersey.
Ighalo will hope this goal is the first many as he continues his Manchester United adventure.
The commentator said the whole Nigeria will celebrate that.
😀😀😀😀😀😀😀..
I love my country. #ighalo #MUFC pic.twitter.com/bKBuXM1SS5— Write_With_Bello (@Write_WithBello) February 27, 2020