Ighalo scored 10 league goals in 17 appearances last season, despite Shenhua narrowly avoiding relegation.
It’s believed that United face an uphill battle to try and sign Ighalo before the transfer deadline.
Woodward may have to prepare a submission to the Premier League to extend their deadline by an extra hour.
“It sounds like Ighalo is a difficult deal to do but United are looking to do a smash and grab before the deadline,” said Sky Sports’ James Cooper.
source: express.co.uk