Ighalo joined Manchester United during the winter transfer window from Chinese Super League outfit Shanghai Shenhua on a short-term deal set to run until the end of the season.
The former Watford forward was brought in to offset an injury to Marcus Rashford, who is out until April.
The decision to sign Ighalo on winter transfer deadline day was questioned by many, but Solskjaer has reiterated that the Nigerian was brought in on merit.
“It doesn’t hurt [living the dream] but he’s here on merit,” the former Cardiff City boss said.
“He’s here because he is a goal scorer and a different type of striker for us.”
“He’s come in like a breath of fresh air as well.”
“Odion had chances in his five minutes against Chelsea, he scored against Bruges, he had chances against Watford, and he had a very good save [from a shot] against Everton.”
“There have been good saves, he doesn’t miss the target very often.”
“Even for Anthony (Martial), Mason (Greenwood) and Marcus (Rashford) to learn that it is where the sharks are swimming.”
“It’s comfortable outside the box and you can have a few shots.”
“It’s in there where it might be a bit tougher and you might get hurt – that’s where you get goals.”
“We might get to the summer and think we want to extend this, who knows?”
Ighalo has only started one game for the Red Devils and made a couple of substitute appearances.
