Ole
Solskjaer
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Appearances366
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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.”
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Position
Forward
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Country
Norway
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Date of birth
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Joined
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United debut
v Blackburn (H) League
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Left United
Latest
Liverpool v United: Ole's press conference Article
Read a full transcript of the manager's media briefing, featuring the latest news on transfers, injuries and Anfield.
Ole's praise for young attacking trio video
Did you know that Greenwood, Martial and Rashford have outscored Liverpool's front three this season? The boss does...
Ole's post-match press conference video
Find out what Solskjaer had to say to reporters after another eventful night at Old Trafford...
Ole's injury update on Rashford Article
After Marcus sustained a knock in our cup success, the boss has spoken about the fitness of our top scorer.
Ole reacts to FA Cup replay win Article
The boss delivers his verdict on the 1-0 triumph over Wolves at Old Trafford.
Ole’s verdict on Cup progress video
The boss discusses Rashford’s injury, the team’s performance and keeping clean sheets…
Ole previews Wolves test video
The manager explains his team selection prior to tonight's third-round replay...
Solskjaer exclusive: We'd love to win the cup Article
In our Q&A, Ole previews tonight's big game against Wolves and reveals his honest opinion on replays.
Solskjaer: The boys have been energised video
Forget about fixture congestion! Ole says the Reds are raring to go, after a morale-boosting win at the weekend...
Boss asked to provide a transfer update video
Question one of the press conference was all about transfers, as you can see here...
Solskjaer enthused by Reds' display Article
Discover what the manager had to say after the convincing 4-0 triumph over Norwich.
Solskjaer's press conference video
Watch as the manager faces reporters at Old Trafford in the aftermath of our win over Norwich...
Solskjaer’s verdict on Norwich win video
Watch as the boss gives his view on United’s first Premier League victory of the new year…
Solskjaer's pre-match interview video
The manager talks us through today's starting line-up, which includes a certain Harry Maguire...
Solskjaer exclusive: We're focused and positive Article
In our latest Q&A, Ole tackles this week's transfer speculation and lays down a firm challenge to the players.