Report: Ighalo set to leave United when loan expires May 31

Manchester United are expected to be down a striker if the Premier League season resumes this summer.

Odion Ighalo's stay at Old Trafford is likely to end next week after Shanghai Shenhua rejected United's attempt to extend the forward's loan deal beyond May 31, according to Jamie Jackson of The Guardian.

The 30-year-old Nigerian joined United on a short-term deal in January and scored four goals in eight appearances before the season was brought to a halt in March due to the coronavirus pandemic.

While United had hoped to negotiate fresh terms with the Chinese Super League side, it's understood that Shenhua want Ighalo to return in time for the start of their campaign next month. The season was scheduled to begin in February but was delayed.

Ighalo's departure would be a significant blow for United, as the Premier League is expected to restart the season in June. Clubs will reportedly meet this week to decide when to restart the campaign and how to complete the remaining 92 fixtures.

But the strain on United's attack could be eased with the potential return of Marcus Rashford, who's been sidelined since January with a stress fracture in his back.