Odion Ighalo has revealed how he will cherish his first Manchester United goal for the rest of his life and described the added personal poignancy of dedicating it to his late sister.

The former Watford striker, signed on loan by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer from Chinese football in January, was on the mark in his new team’s impressive 5-0 Europa League win over Club Brugge on Thursday.

Ighalo, 30, had already promised to dedicate any goals he scored while at Old Trafford to his sister Mary Atole, who passed away after collapsing at her home in Canada in December, aged 43.

“I lost my sister in December,” he explained. “She is a Man United fan. We prayed for this moment to play for United.

“Unfortunately she is not here to see me doing that. I promised I would dedicate every goal I scored.

“I am happy that I did that and wherever she is, she is happy that I’m doing that and she is doing great.

“This is what I dreamt of. I dreamt of playing for United and scoring my first goal. I’m very happy for that. It feels great.

“Old Trafford, seeing the fans singing my name, screaming for me. I’m very grateful. I waited for this moment and this is a moment I will cherish for the rest of my life.”

The signing of Ighalo, who had not scored in English football since his last season with Watford in September 2016, was met with scepticism in January.