Why Joshua King would be a smart signing for Man United
Manchester United are struggling massively in the transfer window. They are nowhere close to securing their required targets and time is running out. A new development has occurred now with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer still keen on signing Bournemouth striker Joshua King. (h/t The Athletic)
The Norwegian forward himself is keen on a move, after having seen a return to Old Trafford fall through in the January transfer window. (h/t The Sun)
Profile
Joshua King is a 28-year-old Norwegian forward who plays for Championship club AFC Bournemouth. He started his youth career at Romsas in 1998 and moved to Valerenga in 2006. After two years, he joined Manchester United’s academy.
While he was in their youth setup, he was sent on loan to various clubs such as Preston North End, Borussia Monchengladbach, Hull City, and Blackburn Rovers. The forward only made 2 appearances for Manchester United’s senior side. (h/t Transfermarkt)
In January 2013, Blackburn made his move permanent as he made 72 appearances for them scoring 8 goals. Three years later, Bournemouth signed him and he has been ever-present for them since. He has played 170 games till date, scored 50 goals, and provided 17 assists. (h/t Transfermarkt)
The forward is quite experienced for Norway with 48 appearances and 17 goals for the national side. (h/t Transfermarkt)
Should Manchester United sign him?
Manchester United lack depth in attack and it was evident last season. Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood played throughout the season without anyone to back them up. Odion Ighalo was brought in on loan in January. But Solskjaer did not trust him at the tail end of the season with so many crucial games.
Thus adding another reliable forward would be the right move by United. And, King is a good striker to have as a squad option. He has Premier League experience and also knows the club, having been a part of the youth setup previously. He would add depth to the side, something United desperately need at this point.
Read more
- Why Manchester United should let go of Sergio Romero
- Why Manchester United should avoid a move for Douglas Costa
Verdict
While Manchester United need a right-sided attacker at the earliest, they should not pass on up the chance to add to their attacking stocks. Odion Ighalo will just be there till the end of the year and it is highly unlikely that he will get many games.
The club should also consider signing a striker apart from a right-winger as Martial has a tendency to tail off during patches of the season. Having said that, bringing in King would help the Red Devils address the lack of depth.
