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
'I wanted to show the boss I should be playing' Article
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer talks us through his four-goal salvo against Nottingham Forest in 1999.
Vote on Ole's best hat-trick! Article
Our 'Match Rewind' series is back! We'll stream a full match containing a hat-trick from the boss on Thursday.
Watch in full: Bayern 1 United 2 video
It's probably the most famous match in United history, but have you ever watched it again in full? Now you can...
Ole: LASK game will help us Article
The manager says our 5-0 win behind closed doors in Austria can help us when football restarts.
MUTV Group Chat: Ole exclusive video
We’ve got a treat for you! Ole Gunnar Solskjaer joins the panel to discuss our training return, Odion Ighalo and 1999...
Exclusive: Solskjaer's training update Article
Ole has spoken to us for the first time since the players returned to the Aon Training Complex last week.
Glory Days: How United sealed the Treble Article
We reflect on the Reds' stunning win over Bayern Munich in the 1999 Champions League final.
Goal of the Day: Solskjaer v Bayern Munich video
And Solskjaer has won it! Ole’s famous winner to clinch European glory in Barcelona is our latest ‘Goal of the Day’…
Why Giggs admires Solskjaer's transfer policy Article
In an exclusive interview, Ryan explains the likes of Daniel James and Bruno Fernandes are perfect for Ole's rebuild.
Seven German sides United have faced Article
As the Bundesliga resumes, we take a look at the German clubs we've met - and where they're playing this weekend.
Ole's Football Focus interview video
Speaking to the BBC's Football Focus show, the boss explains what he is missing most since "the whole world changed"...
Solskjaer compares Jordan to a United great Article
Ole has been inspired by The Last Dance and admits the NBA legend is similar to an iconic former team-mate.
Ole expects our attack to be more exciting Article
You'll love what the boss says when asked about playing Fernandes, Pogba and Rashford together for the first time.
The team talk Ole stole from Sir Alex Article
Find out how Solskjaer adopted a motivational message from Sir Alex Ferguson during his early days in management.
Can Ole identify his players as kids? video
You'll enjoy this one, Reds! UEFA recently challenged the boss to name his players from their childhood photos...