Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Man Utd news: Sir Alex Ferguson forced me to leave after THIS decision - Josh King
BOURNEMOUTH striker Josh King has revealed how Sir Alex Ferguson’s decision to choose Federico Macheda over him led to his exit from the club.
Josh King reveals 'magnificent' feeling after scoring a hat-trick
King joined Manchester United’s academy at 16 and was tipped for a career at Old Trafford.
But the Norway international was sent on loan to several clubs and eventually left permanently in 2013 to join Blackburn.
Two years later, King moved to Bournemouth and he has since shown his ability to play in the Premier League.
And this season he has scored four goals and provided one assist for Eddie Howe’s side.
Bournemouth travel to Fulham today knowing a win would move them just one point outside the top four.
Speaking ahead of the game, King was asked about his time at United and why he left.
And the 26-year-old said Ferguson’s preference for Macheda was the final straw.
“I was offered a new contract. But I just felt it was time to play," King told Sky Sports.
“I was 21 and I didn’t want to play reserve football.
“I was in the squad for a Champions League game against Galatasaray.
“I said to myself before the game ‘if I play this game I sign’.
“That’s a sign I’m going to sign. I’ll just stay and be patient.
“And he put Federico Macheda on before me and I came on the last four minutes.
“That got me so angry, the next day I signed for Blackburn.”
King went on to score eight times in 74 appearances for Rovers but it was enough to earn a move to Bournemouth.
And he has since gone on to score 36 goals in 114 appearances for the Cherries, forming a good partnership with Callum Wilson.