Manchester United need to be quick in identifying a replacement for Odion Ighalo if the striker is not allowed to remain at Old Trafford, according to Dimitar Berbatov.
The Bulgarian has been impressed with Ighalo's contributions after joining on loan in January.
But his parent club Shanghai Shenhua are unlikely to grant him a loan extension with the Premier League set to end much later than originally planned due to the coronavirus pandemic.
It leaves United short in attack with Ighalo finding the net four times in his eight appearances for the Red Devils.
And Berbatov has urged his former club to seek a replacement if they haven't already.
He told Betfair: "It is looking like Ighalo will be going back to China, but hopefully, for United’s sake they can agree on an extension. He deserves it, he has done great at United and he surprised many people with how he played in such a short time.
"I'm sure he wants to stay, but now it's about if the two teams can come to an understanding, but it's also a money factor as they will offer him a lot of money to go back.
"If he stays he will score goals, of that I am sure. In the small time he was playing, he played the right way and was playing well with team-mates.
"I'm not sure if he was the first option ahead of Martial and Rashford, but when he did play he did a fantastic job. It comes down to if Ole needs his services, or if they find someone else, if he stays it's good news.
"United need to know what is happening with him. If they know they will lose him, they need to find someone else to replace him. If they haven't already found a replacement, they need to find someone quickly
"But if he stays his teammates get on well with him and he has PL experience which is a big plus. For nine games, if they could come to an understanding and then he can go back, this would be the best option.
"If a team is losing a loan player because of the situation, the federation should allow a team to get someone else because of the situation. If Ighalo goes, United should be allowed to get a replacement.
"They are in a great place going into this final part of the season and they have a great chance of getting top four, but it will be very difficult as no one wants to join for nine games.
"The best scenario is for them to come to an agreement to keep Ighalo for the few games, otherwise they will lose out on a player that can score goals in the race for the top four."
