United coasted through to the Round of 16 thanks to a five-goal demolition of Brugge.
The Red Devils put in a first-class performance to see off the Belgian visitors in style, with Fernandes and Ighalo both scoring their first European goals for the club.
For loan signing Ighalo, it was his first goal for United since his surprise January transfer deadline move from Shanghai Shenhua.
Fernandes, too, found the net in the 5-0 win. The midfielder rolled in a penalty just before the half-hour mark.
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“The new lads have brought that in.”
Solskjaer then discussed the decision to give Ighalo his first start, and explained that part of the reason was to keep Mason Greenwood fresh – with the young Englishman set to start on Sunday against Everton.
“The football we played at times pleased me the most. We started the game with great intent,” he continued.
“We were playing with good rhythm and intent in our game and we got some great goals as well.”