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
Reflections on Solskjaer's first year Article
Season ticket holder Joe Ganley reviews the Norwegian's maiden 12 months as permanent manager.
Transfer Tales: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Article
The Treble legend explains how he first joined the club as a player after being spotted by chance.
Solskjaer pays tribute to Whittingham Article
Ole has reacted to the news that his former Cardiff City player Peter Whittingham has sadly passed away, aged 35.
United are Premier League's youngest team Article
Data shows Ole's teams, on average, have been more youthful than all the other top-flight clubs this season.
Tottenham v United: Ole's press conference Article
Read a full transcript of the manager's media briefing, which was held in the aftermath of Thursday's match in Austria.
Solskjaer's fitness update on four players Article
Ole discusses Jesse Lingard, Anthony Martial, Paul Pogba and Aaron Wan-Bissaka following the trip to Austria.
Ole's post-match press conference in Austria video
In his media briefing, Ole praised Odion Ighalo when asked if the Nigerian could be a United player next season...
Solskjaer explains the starting XI v LASK video
From inside the tunnel, Ole describes the atmosphere in Austria and discusses his five changes to the side...
Ole and Scott: The full press conference Article
Find out everything Solskjaer and McTominay said at United's media briefing for the first leg against LASK.
Solskjaer's fitness update video
The manager provided an update on two absent players in his pre-match press conference...
‘The atmosphere spurred us on’ Article
Our players and manager believe the fans inspired United's success in the Manchester derby.
United 2 City 0: Ole's press conference video
In his press conference, Ole was asked if Fernandes and Martial had worked on their free-kick during training...
Ole reacts to huge derby success Article
The boss gives his verdict on the superb 2-0 triumph over Manchester City at Old Trafford.
Solskjaer: Sir Alex looked proud in the stand video
"You turn around and you see Sir Alex up there, he is proud and it's a big moment," says the boss...
Solskjaer explains our starting XI v City video
Watch as Ole explains the starting XI and discusses what could be the key to victory over the Blues...