Why Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to bring Joshua King to Manchester United

Man United have already made one move for the forward, and they could make another before the transfer window slams shut later today.

Manchester United are weighing up a second bid for Bournemouth forward Joshua King.

United are currently without leading scorer Marcus Rashford who is sidelined until late March with a double stress fracture to his back and the MEN revealed last week United players had been informed the club were trying to sign a forward.

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe confirmed United’s interest in Joshua King and acknowledged that the striker had a 'decision' to make regarding a potential move to Old Trafford today.

But how would the 28-year-old suit Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side if he did arrive?

King is a versatile player who plays various attacking roles both wide and through the middle. Given Solskjaer’s tendency to adjust his formations depending on the opposition, this versatility would be a welcome asset.

Goals have been harder to come by for the forward this season - he has managed just three across all competitions. Yet, his season has been hampered by injuries and Bournemouth have struggled for form.  Last season, however, he scored a solid 12 goals from an Expected Goal (xG) total of 11.74.

Despite that low goal return this season, the striker continues to get himself in good shooting positions in and around the penalty area, as the below-shot map highlights.

For Bournemouth this season, the forward has received an average of just over ten passes per 90 minutes. For comparison at United, Rashford averages around 22 passes received per 90 minutes. 

With the arrival of Bruno Fernandes, United’s creativity is bound to increase dramatically, meaning King should be bestowed more goalscoring chances for United. This should see an increased output in terms of his passes received and shots on goal, both of which should contribute to an increase in his goal return should he make the switch to Old Trafford.

Given United’s current injury woes in the attack, the appeal of King is easy to see.