Ole
Solskjaer
-
Appearances366
-
Total goals126
Ole
Biography
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reluctantly called time on his United playing career on 28 August 2007 – 11 years and three days after it began with a goalscoring debut.
On the field, the Norwegian became an embodiment of the Reds’ never-say-die spirit in their most successful decade, often scoring late goals when points or trophies looked to have been lost. But off the field, he finally had to admit one defeat - in his battle with a persistent knee injury.
On retiring, Ole said: “I would like to thank the manager, the coaching and medical staff and most of all the supporters.
"The supporters have been fantastic and were a real inspiration to me when I was out injured. I feel proud to have represented United for 11 years and have some very special memories."
Ole's many career highlights include his four goals in 12 minutes after being introduced as a substitute at Nottingham Forest, in United's record away win (8-1). But surely the most special memory of all would be the Champions League final in 1999 when he best exhibited his ability to seize the whisker of a chance. His injury-time toe-poke past Bayern Munich keeper Oliver Kahn completed United's Treble and cemented his place in Reds folklore.
However, the end of Ole’s playing days certainly did not finish his association with United, as he tried his hand at coaching and took charge of the club’s Reserve team, helping to develop emerging talents such as Jesse Lingard and Paul Pogba.
The Norwegian returned to his homeland in 2011 and spent three years with Molde before taking over at then Premier League side Cardiff City. During his brief spell in south Wales Ole did visit Old Trafford as an opposition manager, with United winning 2-0, but following the club’s slide into the Championship he left the Bluebirds in September 2014.
After nearly two years out of management, Solskjaer once again took charge at Molde, but just before Christmas in 2018, he received a call he just could not turn down - Manchester United. After Jose Mourinho's departure from the manager's position at Old Trafford, Ole was appointed as caretaker boss and remarkably won his first eight matches in the hot seat. He also oversaw one of United’s greatest ever European comebacks, when the Reds beat Paris Saint-Germain 3-1 at the Parc de Princes to qualify for the quarter-final stage of the Champions League.
Solskjaer was subsequently made permanent manager, signing a three-year contract on 28 March 2019. Reacting to his appointment, the Norwegian said: "It’s truly an honour. I think everyone knows, and I’ve spoken about it in the last few months, that this is the dream job for anyone interested in football, especially anyone who has been involved with Manchester United. Being given the opportunity now to move the club forward, with all its potential, is fantastic.”
-
Position
Forward
-
Country
Norway
-
Date of birth
-
Joined
-
United debut
v Blackburn (H) League
-
Left United
Latest
Ole's press conference: Every word Article
The boss discussed transfers, injuries, Maguire, Mason and more ahead of Saturday's game.
Solskjaer discusses our goalkeeping situation Article
Don't miss the manager's comments to the media about David De Gea, Dean Henderson and Sergio Romero.
Ole to keep tabs on 'exciting' United youngsters Article
The boss tells us he'll be watching our Academy players' development with interest over the course of the season.
Exclusive: Ole excited for new season Article
The boss has spoken to us about preparations for 2020/21, Harry Maguire and the transfer window.
Ole: What van de Beek will add Article
The manager has explained where he sees our new addition fitting into the team ahead of the new campaign.
'I wanted to show everyone what I was made of' video
It's exactly 24 years since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made the dream start to his United career...
The day Ole became an instant United hero Article
Can you believe 24 years have passed since Solskjaer's goalscoring debut? Here, three ex-Reds share their memories...
Goal of the Day: Solskjaer v Charlton video
Ole hit his first United goal for 1,072 days today in 2006, following a long spell out injured. It was worth the wait...
What's Ole like in the shooting drills? Article
Lee Grant offers some insight into facing the boss and the Reds strikers in our new UTD Podcast.
Solskjaer discusses the summer transfer window Article
"We have got to be smart and clever," explained the boss, when asked about making the right signings for 2020/21.
Ole's verdict on semi-final defeat Article
Read the manager's honest assessment of our Europa League loss to Sevilla.
Watch Ole's post-match press conference video
Find out what the boss said to the media at Stadion Koln following our defeat to Sevilla...
Solskjaer's pre-match interview video
The manager explains his team selection and why David De Gea starts in goal...
Ole confirms starting XI v Sevilla Article
Discover who the United boss has selected for our Europa League semi-final in Cologne.
Big moments will be key, says Ole Article
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has identified where United will have to succeed against Sevilla.