Marcus Rashford’s injury setback in January forced Manchester United to look for a new attacker in the winter market.
The Red Devils ended up taking Odion Ighalo on loan from Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua on deadline day. Prior to signing the former Watford man, there was talk about United’s interest in AFC Bournemouth’s Joshua King.
He came up through the ranks of the United youth system and left for Blackburn Rovers in 2013. After spending two seasons with Rovers, Eddie Howe’s side secured the Norway international’s services in 2015.
Bournemouth suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Sheffield United on Sunday and after the match, Norway’s TV2 had an opportunity to speak the Cherries striker about his failed move to Manchester United.
When asked why the move to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side didn’t materialise, King said: “How close it was I have no complete answer to. I have to watch what I say. I had some faith that it was going to happen.”
“And it was a bit sensitive for me considering that I moved here as a 16-year-old to England to achieve my dream and wanted to reach that goal at Manchester United.
“It did not happen and then I made a choice and left. When you hear that you are connected to United and a bid comes in, then the feelings you had as a 16-year-old come back to you. But why it did not happen, I have no answer.”
Despite the transfer disappointment, King pledged his commitment to his current employer.
“I’m a Bournemouth player and I really enjoy it here. But it had been a dream come true, I will not lie. That didn’t happen and I’m going to give everything to Bournemouth as long as I’m in this club.”
This may be a chance that won’t be repeated for King, something he’s likely well aware of.
