The one and only baby-faced assassin. Solskjaer shot to fame at Manchester United and currently manages his ex club Molde. Here’s The North Stand’s tribute to perhaps the best ever super-sub.
Solskjaer started his playing career with Norwegian minnows Clausenengen FK, and it’s safe to say he did well, scoring an amazing 17 goals in six games. Yes you read correctly. This drew the attention of Norway’s big teams, and he was snapped up by Molde.
At Molde, Ole was also prolific, and 31 goals in 38 games drew the attention of British and Italian clubs, but when Everton and Man City were offered his signature for the cost of £1.2 million, they were unwilling to take the risk. United, who were famously chasing Blackburn frontman Alan Shearer at the time, took a punt on him, completing the signing during Euro 96.
The Norwegian was given the number 20 shirt at Manchester United. He scored a brilliant 18 goals in his debut season in a United shirt, and lifted the premier league trophy in this season too. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had arrived.
Highlights of the baby-faced assassin’s Man United career included twice scoring 4 goals in a game, against Everton and Nottingham Forest, and of course, perhaps the peak of his playing career, scoring a stoppage time winner in the European Cup final, but you didn’t need me to tell you that…
Ole Gunnar spent 11 years at united, and firmly became a fan favourite in this time. His 237 competitive games saw him score 91 goals, and deservedly winning six premiership titles. Solskjaer also scored 23 times in 67 appearances for his native Norway, representing them at the World Cup and European Championship.
The man who was a model pro, and presumably learned a few tricks of the trade from Sir Alex Ferguson, is now managing his beloved Molde in the Norwegian first division. Perhaps (we hope) he will make a return to the UK in a managerial role some day.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, The North Stand salutes you!
