It might have taken some time but Manchester United have joined the January transfer window party. The pursuit of Bruno Fernandes came to a successful end on Thursday but the Red Devils didn’t bask in the victory. Instead, they quickly turned their attention to former player Joshua King.
According to the Daily Telegraph, the former United player topped the club’s wishlist as they searched for someone to replace the injured Marcus Rashford. The report went on to claim manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær’seen his fellow Norwegian as the perfect addition to bring a cutting edge to his attack’
However, Bournemouth are not entertaining the idea of parting ways with their No.7, not when the club is in a relegation battle. Goals are a problem this season with Eddie Howe’s men averaging less than one a game.
King has struggled with injuries this term but when fit and firing, he is a threat. The volatile attacker bagged 12 during the 2018/19 effort and 16 during the 2016/17 season. If he is over his injury issues, the former Blackburn Rovers attacker could do a good enough Rashford impression until the England international yields.
Solskjær has been using his No.10 on the left and enabling him to cut inside. It’s a role King has been performing for Bournemouth for quite some time. Even when starting centrally, Norway international likes to drift to the left so he is then able to isolate players and uses his pace and trickery to get the better of them.
Of the 4.10 dribbles he attempts per 90, he completes 2.14 of them.
King was the match-winner when both sides met earlier on in the year, scoring an adventurous finish from close range after wriggling his way beyond Aaron Wan-Bissaka. A reliable finisher on either side, 25 percent of his shots over the last two seasons have come through his left foot.
United’s initial inquiry was rejected but should they return with an improved offer and King pushes for a move, Bournemouth may have no option but to cash in on the 28-year-old. He would be a short-term stopgap for the Red Devils, but he is an important one at that.
