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
Ole: We're going to City to win Article
The boss is eager to draw on our success against the 'Big Six' this season, as we prepare to face our local rivals.
Solskjaer: This was our best performance Article
The boss explains why Wednesday’s win over Spurs was United's finest display of the season so far.
United 2 Spurs 1: Ole's press conference video
Watch what the boss had to say in his post-match media briefing, following our excellent win over Tottenham...
Solskjaer: That was our best performance yet video
Ole discusses a significant win, red-hot Rashford and marauding McTominay in a passionate post-match interview...
Goal of the Day: Ole's hat-trick header Article
Today's strike comes from the Norwegian and is the third of four that he struck against Everton in December 1999.
Solskjaer: We have a clear vision for the future Article
Ole says United have a plan in place and an idea of what the squad will look like in the summer.
Ole: This week won't define our season Article
Solskjaer sees the Spurs and Man City games more as a chance to prove a point than to change the campaign.
Ole's opinions on Tottenham's visit video
Watch what the boss said when asked about Tottenham's recent results, Jose Mourinho and Paul Pogba's fitness...
Solskjaer's team news for Spurs test Article
The boss has provided an update on three central midfielders ahead of Tottenham's visit to Old Trafford.
United 2 Villa 2: Ole's press conference video
See what journalists asked the manager during his post-match press conference...
Ole's verdict on draw with Villa Article
The boss has his say on obtaining a point from the home clash with the Midlanders.
Solskjaer frustrated to drop another lead video
In our interview, the manager delivers his verdict on the display and big talking points at Old Trafford...
Ole is buzzing about a huge week for United Article
In our exclusive, the boss explains his mindset towards facing Aston Villa, Tottenham and Manchester City in seven days.
Solskjaer's pre-match press conference video
In his pre-match press conference, the boss told reporters a key midfielder could return ahead of Aston Villa's visit...
Solskjaer's team news for Villa clash Article
Ole delivers an update on Scott McTominay and Paul Pogba ahead of Sunday's Premier League game at Old Trafford.