Bournemouth forward Joshua King has said returning to Manchester United would have been a "dream come true," following a failed transfer in January.

United targeted a new striker in January following injury to Marcus Rashford, with Odion Ighalo eventually completing a loan move from Shanghai Shenhua in the final hours of the window.

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However, King, who made two first team appearances from 2009 to 2013 at Old Trafford, was the initial target but United were unable to agree a deal.

"How close it [the transfer] was I have no complete answer to," King told TV2 following his side's 2-1 defeat to Sheffield United. "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 to England as a 16-year-old to achieve my dream and wanted to reach that goal at Manchester United.

"It did not [happen] 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."

However, despite seeing the move fall through, King said he remains just as committed to Bournemouth.

"But why it did not happen, I do not know," he added. "I'm a Bournemouth player and I really enjoy it here.

"But it had been a dream come true, I will not lie. That didn't happen and I'm going to give everything to Bournemouth as long as I'm in this club.

"The coach [Eddie Howe] was absolutely fantastic with me during those days and was very helpful with me. I have respect for how he behaved with me during the little episode."