Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said Manchester United signed Odion Ighalo because he is a different type of centre-forward to the ones already at the club.
United agreed an 11th-hour loan deal for Ighalo on deadline day, with the former Watford striker moving to Old Trafford on a temporary deal for the rest of the season.
Ighalo has spent the last three years of his career playing in China after two-and-a-half years at Watford. During his time at Watford, between the summer of 2014 and January 2017, Ighalo scored 40 goals in 100 appearances.
Explaining United's surprise decision to bring Ighalo in until the end of the campaign, Solskjaer said: "Odion is an experienced player. He will come in and give us an option of a different type of centre-forward for the short spell he’s staying with us.
“A great lad and very professional, he will make the most of his time here.”
Ighalo became United's second signing of the January transfer window after Bruno Fernandes' move from Sporting Lisbon was confirmed on Thursday.
Fernandes is eligible to make his debut against Wolves on Saturday and Solskjaer has already confirmed that he will be in the squad.
It is likely Fernandes will start, with United thin on the ground in midfield due to Nemanja Matic's suspension and injuries to Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay.
Ighalo, meanwhile, could make his United debut when the Reds return to action away to Chelsea on February 17 after the winter break.
