Debut:
26/08/1996 v Blackburn Rovers (H) 2-2 (Premiership)
Farewell:
Retired from game due to knee injury, 27/08/2007
Passed Away:
Biography
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is a former Norwegian footballer and manager best known for his playing days at Manchester United, where he earned the nickname "The Baby-Faced Assassin" for his clinical finishing and youthful appearance. Solskjaer is a club legend, famed for his last-minute winner in the 1999 UEFA Champions League final, securing Manchester United's historic treble. After retiring as a player, Solskjaer transitioned into management, eventually returning to Old Trafford as Manchester United's manager from 2018 to 2021.
Early Career and Move to Manchester United
Solskjaer began his career in Norway with Clausenengen and later moved to Molde, where his goal-scoring exploits quickly caught the attention of top European clubs. In 1996, Sir Alex Ferguson signed Solskjaer for £1.5 million, a relatively low fee that would prove to be one of the best bargains in Manchester United's history. Solskjaer's impact was immediate, and he scored 18 goals in his debut season.
Career at Manchester United (1996-2007)
Solskjaer spent 11 seasons at Manchester United, becoming known as the ultimate "super-sub" for his ability to come off the bench and score crucial goals. His intelligence, positioning, and clinical finishing made him one of the most dangerous substitutes in Premier League history. While he often played as a backup to stars like Andy Cole, Dwight Yorke, and Ruud van Nistelrooy, Solskjaer's unselfishness and professionalism earned him legendary status at Old Trafford.
Key Achievements at Manchester United:
1999 Treble-Winning Season: Solskjaer's most famous moment came in the 1999 UEFA Champions League final against Bayern Munich. Coming on as a substitute, he scored the winning goal in the 93rd minute, completing United's remarkable comeback and securing the treble of the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League. His last-minute strike remains one of the most iconic goals in football history.
Premier League Titles: Solskjaer won six Premier League titles (1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2007), contributing key goals throughout his United career.
FA Cup Wins: He added two FA Cup trophies to his collection (1999, 2004), further highlighting his contributions to the club's domestic success.
Memorable Performances: Solskjaer scored numerous important goals, including four goals in 12 minutes against Nottingham Forest in 1999 after coming off the bench—a feat that exemplified his "super-sub" reputation.
Playing Style: The Baby-Faced Assassin
Solskjaer was known for his intelligence, positioning, and ability to read the game. His knack for finding space in the box and his composure under pressure made him a lethal finisher. Despite his reputation as a substitute, Solskjaer was more than capable of leading the line when given the opportunity, and his technical skill, combined with his understanding of the game, made him a versatile forward who could operate across the front line.
Transition to Management
After retiring in 2007 due to a persistent knee injury, Solskjaer began his coaching career at Manchester United's reserve team, where he honed his managerial skills. In 2011, he returned to Norway to manage Molde, leading the club to their first-ever Norwegian league title in his debut season. He won back-to-back league titles and the Norwegian Cup, establishing himself as a top manager in his homeland.
In 2014, Solskjaer took over at Cardiff City in the Premier League, but his stint was short-lived as the club was relegated, and he left later that year. He returned to Molde before receiving a call from Manchester United in 2018.
Managerial Career at Manchester United (2018–2021)
Solskjaer was initially appointed as caretaker manager of Manchester United in December 2018 following the departure of Jose Mourinho. His impact was immediate, as he restored attacking football and led United to a series of impressive victories, including a memorable 3-1 comeback win against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League Round of 16. This run earned him the job on a permanent basis in March 2019.
Key Moments as Manchester United Manager:
Improved Performances: Solskjaer guided United to multiple top-four finishes in the Premier League and to the 2021 UEFA Europa League Final, though United were defeated by Villarreal on penalties.
Big-Game Wins: Under Solskjaer, United enjoyed several notable victories against top Premier League sides, including an unbeaten league run against rivals Manchester City and Chelsea.
Youth Development: He promoted young talents such as Mason Greenwood, Brandon Williams, and Scott McTominay, emphasizing United's tradition of integrating youth players into the first team.
Despite these successes, inconsistency and a lack of trophies led to his departure in November 2021 after a poor run of form.
Legacy
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is remembered as one of Manchester United's greatest-ever strikers and a club legend for his contributions on and off the field. His iconic last-minute goal in the 1999 Champions League final secured his place in United folklore. As a manager, while his reign was marked by some impressive highs, he struggled to maintain consistency. Nonetheless, his deep connection with the club and his positive influence on young players made him a respected figure at Old Trafford.
Summary
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is a Manchester United legend known for his iconic 1999 Champions League final goal and his reputation as the ultimate "super-sub." He won six Premier League titles and played a pivotal role in United's 1999 treble-winning season. After retiring, Solskjaer transitioned into management and later returned to Manchester United as manager from 2018 to 2021. Although his managerial stint had mixed results, his legacy as a United great remains intact.
