MANCHESTER -- Odion Ighalo will be an "important" signing for Manchester United, according to manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The 30-year-old former Watford striker has signed a deal to spend the rest of the season at Old Trafford and despite some surprise at the deadline day move, Solskjaer insists the Nigeria international will play a key role between now and May.
"He's a different type of striker," said Solskjaer following the 0-0 draw with Wolves at Old Trafford on Saturday. "He's a proven goalscorer, a physical presence. It gives us a chance to rest Mason [Greenwood] and Anthony [Martial] at times.
"We want go far in the Europa League and the FA Cup. it was important that we'll have another type of striker to use with Marcus [Rashford] out for a little while."
After Chelsea drew with Leicester earlier in the day, United failed to capitalise and close the gap on the top four after they were forced to settle for a point by Wolves.
United head into their winter break sixth in the table, six points adrift of Chelsea.
Solskjaer's team had more of the ball but Wolves goalkeeper Rui Patricio was rarely troubled as they went a third straight Premier League without scoring.
"We dominated the game again, 65 percent possession, but don't create too many big chances," said the United boss.
"We're lacking a bit of that spark, which is natural after a relentless run -- 18 games in last two months.
"I can't fault them and knowing Wolverhampton as well as we do and they know us as they do, it was never gonna be an open game."
Bruno Fernandes' debut following his £46.5 million move from Sporting Lisbon provided one highlight for Solskjaer. The United boss also reserved special praise for the home fans after they rejected social media calls to walk out in the 68th minute in protest at the owners the Glazer family and executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward.
"I must say there's been lots written and said about the fans before the game and they were unbelievable again," said Solskjaer.
"They supported the team until the end and showed why they are some of the best fans in the world."