Forwards
Striker: Danny Welbeck
Danny Welbeck was allowed to leave Old Trafford by Louis van Gaal simply because, at 23, he had failed to show sufficient promise to suggest he could become a 20-goal a season forward, who could eventually oust Robin van Persie in the centre-forward role. The Manchester-born striker had come up through the United academy after joining them as an 8-year-old boy.
He was sent on loan twice, once to Preston North End and the second time to Sunderland before he could finally make his mark at Old Trafford. The English international made over 140 appearances for the club, scoring just under 30 goals. Injuries and being played as a winger had a major effect on his overall goal tally.
The 26-year-old was displeased at his lack of chances in a more central role and thus eventually left the club, joining Arsenal.
At Arsenal, things haven’t changed much for the striker as injury has curtailed his game-time over the last three years or so, keeping him out of nearly 80 matches since he joined the North London club. However, when fit, Welbeck has been played in his preferred position and has managed to net 16 goals in 57 appearances for the Gunners.
Striker: Joshua King
Josh King was signed by the Red Devils as a 16-year-old striker, having been spotted in a youth tournament in Norway, and spent over five years with the youth academy honing his skills. King was sent on a series of loan spells to Preston North End, Borussia Monchengladbach, and Hull City after failing to make it to the first-team squad at Old Trafford.
Despite all his loan spells, King still managed to regular appearances for the reserves squad and even came on as a substitute for Danny Welbeck in both the League Cup and a Champions League fixture. He was eventually sold to Blackburn Rovers, where he went on to make just over 70 appearances scoring 8 goals for the Championship Club, before moving to Bournemouth following their promotion to the Premier League.
Since his move to the Cherries, the 25-year-old striker has flourished under Eddie Howe and managed to score eight goals in his last seven Premier League matches this season.
