Martial, 24, has started in 13 of United's last 15 matches and tallied a creditable seven goals, but his performance level has flagged in recent weeks in the absence of Marcus Rashford.
“He's giving us everything," Solskjaer said. "He's been asked now to play - I think he's started the last eight games in this month - and he's running probably 20 per cent more than what he did when I came here.
"That shift, and that goes with all the other players as well, by the way, it's not just mental robustness and tactical, it's that physical side we've had to work with, because they are making strides, and you'll get those stats if you want.
"But the difference is that, compared to when I came in, the squad wasn't right. We'll give him more support, give him rest when he deserves it, if he does have that rest, if he plays a little bit less. Because he's been asked to play too much as well, especially now when Marcus is injured.
"As a striker, if you don't just get there that split second, that's a big, massive difference, and I've praised him, I've sat down with him and I'm delighted with him, and I know that he's tired, but he's never ever – how do you say it? - dodged a training session.
"He's training, he's available for every game, so delighted with the boy."
Ighalo, 30, should be available to make his debut against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on February 17. Ighalo has joined United on loan from Shanghai Shenhua until the end of the season and the club does not have the option to sign him permanently.
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