Joshua King speaks for first time since 'dream' Man Utd transfer collapsed on deadline day

Joshua King admits a return to Manchester United was his “dream” but he insists he will give his all for Bournemouth as they battle against the drop. United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer turned to King on deadline day last month as he desperately tried to add an attacker to his depleted forward line.

Bournemouth were unwilling to do business on the cheap, however, meaning United were forced to look at other options to help cope with Marcus Rashford’s injury lay-off.

Odion Ighalo ultimately rocked up at Old Trafford in a shock loan deal as United agreed to borrow the former Watford striker from Chinese Super League club Shanghai Shenhua.

King, having seen his hopes of a reunion with fellow Norwegian Solskjaer crushed, has since had to knuckle down at Bournemouth and he came on as a substitute in Sunday’s 2-1 defeat at Sheffield United.

King admits it would have “been a dream come true” to head back to United in January, but he’s not got any plans to sulk as Eddie Howe’s men fight to avoid relegation.

“How close it was I have no complete answer to,” the 28-year-old told Norwegian broadcaster TV2. “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 over here as a 16-year-old to England to achieve my dream and wanted to reach that goal in Manchester United.

“It did not go [to plan] 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 not answered.

“I’m a Bournemouth player and I really enjoy it here. But it had been a dream come true, I will not lie.

“But that didn’t happen and I’m going to give everything to Bournemouth as long as I’m in this club.”

Howe was coy when asked about King’s future on deadline day but suggested Bournemouth would not stand in his way if a deal could be made.

And King says Howe’s treatment was top notch, even as he was trying to secure an unexpected return to the north west.

“The coach was absolutely fantastic with me during those days and was very helpful with me,” King said.

“I have respect for how he behaved with me during the little episode. So I just have to keep working hard to try to help the club out of the situation we’re in now.”

source: express.co.uk