Bournemouth striker Josh King has hinted that he would love to seal a return to Manchester United. The 28-year-old was heavily linked with a move to United in January. However, the Red Devils opted for a loan deal with Odion Ighalo.
King has spent five years at the Vitality Stadium, scoring 48 goals in 161 appearances. But, last season proved to be a less prolific campaign for the Norwegian international. The striker had his worst season in front of goal in a Bournemouth shirt. He only managed to add six goals to his all-time Premier League tally.
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Speaking to Norweigan outlet TV2, King said: “I will not lie, because I really wanted to go there in January, but what happened, happened.
“I know why things happened. We’ll just have to wait and see. There is a lot that is open.”
Born in Oslo, King grew up playing football in Norway before Manchester United came knocking. At the age of 15, the Norwegian rejected offers from Chelsea, Sunderland and Ipswich Town in favour of joining the Red Devils.
By 16, King made the trip to England and kick-started his Manchester United career with the U18 side. Within the same year, the striker scored four goals in four games for the U17 side, as King’s goal-scoring abilities helped the club win the prestigious Milk Cup.
In pursuit of progressing Josh King’s career, United loaned the Norwegian to Championship outfit Preston North End. King enjoyed a great start to his time with the Lancashire-based club, but an ankle injury cut his time there short.
At the start of the 2011/12 season, King joined Borussia Monchengladbach on a season-long loan, but the move was held up two months, with the striker requiring surgery on a groin injury. After just two substitute appearances for the German side, a recurrence of the same groin injury halted King’s progress. For the second time of his career, King had to return to United earlier than agreed.
In the second half of the 2011/12 season, Hull City were the next club to try and keep the forward fit. King made 18 appearances for the Tigers and gained invaluable experience as a regular starter for the Championship side. By the 2012/13 season, he was loaned out to Blackburn. He had great success with Rovers, scoring two goals in his appearances.
King Eventually Found a Permanent Home
His performances for Blackburn earned King a permanent transfer, ending his Manchester United journey. The 28-year-old spent two seasons with Blackburn, with the forward only finding the net three times in 48 appearances. Despite not enjoying such a prolific spell at the club, King signed for Premier League new boys Bournemouth and that was where he really found his feet.
What King Would Bring to United
Josh King is a powerful, dynamic and a technically gifted striker, who is certainly too good for the Championship. He has proved himself as a goal-scorer for five seasons now and could be the perfect ‘plan B’ for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Under Manchester United’s three forward approach, King could play both as the number nine or on the left wing.
However, when they are looking to break teams down and revert to having two up top, King would be a great addition. King has built a formidable partnership with Callum Wilson over the years. His link-up play and unselfish nature would create numerous goal-scoring opportunities for the second striker and the shift of tactics would help Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men break down teams on a difficult day.
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