Ole
Solskjaer
- Appearances366
- Total goals126
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.”
Forward
Norway
26 Feb 1973
29 Jul 1996
25 Aug 1996
v Blackburn (H) League
28 Aug 2007
Watch our collection of Reds strikers' maiden goals in the Champions League for the club...
Watch action from that historic night in May 1999 when we beat Bayern Munich to seal an unprecedented Treble...
The Reds have faced Tottenham's new manager on one previous occasion, 23 years ago.
All The Goals | Watch Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's 126 strikes, in order, as we prepare to play in his beloved Norway...
Watch action from that historic night in May 1999 when we beat Bayern Munich to seal an unprecedented Treble...
Goal of the Day | On 26 May 1999, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's last-gasp winner v Bayern Munich clinched our Treble...
Our former manager and striker is saluted by the fans when watching the Reds beat Wolves.
It’s so great to see our former manager – and legendary striker - back home and posing for pictures with fans…
Goal of the Day | Watch the first of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's two goals from our 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest in 1998...
Film | Watch our documentary, The Impossible Dream, to relive the greatest campaign in English football history...
Goal of the Day | On 18 January 1997, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's 79th-minute strike sealed our 2-0 win away to Coventry...
Goal of the Day | Watch Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's fourth goal from our 8-1 win over Nottingham Forest in 1999...
Ander has spoken in unique detail about Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Goal of the Day | It's the anniversary of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's debut so let's celebrate with a strike against Spurs...
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer demonstrated his close control and clinical finishing with this goal against Coventry...