Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at 51: Five Key Points about the Ex-Manchester United Coach

In May 1999, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer etched his name into Manchester United’s history books with a crucial injury-time goal that secured the club’s historic Treble-winning campaign. Solskjaer’s arrival at United coincided with Alan Shearer’s move to Newcastle, a decision that would have a profound impact on the club’s future. Signed for a modest fee of £1.5 million from Molde, the Norwegian forward entered Old Trafford with little fanfare, reflecting his humble nature.

 

However, it didn’t take long for Solskjaer to make his mark at the Theatre of Dreams. Just six minutes into his debut, he slammed home an important equalizer against Blackburn Rovers, immediately catching the attention of fans. This early display of his talent earned him the nickname “Baby-faced Assassin.”

 

Throughout his career, Solskjaer delivered numerous unforgettable moments for United. Apart from his iconic goal in the Champions League final against Bayern Munich in Barcelona, he scored four goals as a substitute in an 8-1 away victory against Nottingham Forest during the Treble-winning season. He also netted a last-minute winner against Liverpool in the FA Cup, propelling United to the final.

 

One of Solskjaer’s memorable goals came later in his career when he made a comeback after a long-term knee injury, scoring against Charlton. His unwavering commitment and love for the club endeared him to the fans, solidifying his status as a fan favorite.

 

Following his retirement in 2007, Solskjaer returned to Molde, where he began his professional journey, taking on the role of head coach. He achieved remarkable success, guiding the team to their first-ever league title and successfully defending it the following year. His coaching prowess caught the attention of Manchester United, and in the winter of 2018, he received the call he had long dreamed of.

 

Appointed as an interim coach, Solskjaer lifted spirits and orchestrated a remarkable comeback in Paris, leading United to victory against PSG and securing their place in the Champions League quarter-finals. This extraordinary achievement earned him the permanent position as United’s manager.