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The return of Ole Gunnar Solskjær to the English Premier League as manager of Cardiff City has created perhaps one of the most bizarre partnerships in football, yet it gives us an excuse to look back at the Norwegian’s iconic playing career at Manchester United.
Bought as a bargain buy from Molde FK for just £1.5 million in 1996, Solskjær quickly endeared himself to United fans and became affectionately known as the ‘Baby-faced Assassin’.
Despite initially struggling to break into the starting line-up he scored more than 100 goals for the club in all competitions, playing a crucial role in perhaps Alex Ferguson’s best team.
Here are a few of the top moments from Solskjær’s successful career.
1) August 25, 1996 – Blackburn Rovers (English Premier League)
Throughout his career Solskjær, was known for his superhuman feats coming off the United bench.
This was his first goal for the club and, fittingly, it was off the bench in his debut appearance.
2) April 18, 1998 – Newcastle United (EPL)
He may have only scored nine goals in the 1997-98 season but this moment typified Solskjær’s commitment to the United cause.
The Red Devils were struggling to defend their title, having surrendered an 11-point advantage to a rampant Arsenal side.
Locked in a goalless draw at Old Trafford, United found themselves caught out at the back.
Cue Solskjær’s full-length sprint to cynically hack down a marauding Robert Lee. The selfless, albeit somewhat dangerous, act was ultimately in vain as United lost the title.
3) January 24, 1999 – Liverpool (FA Cup Fourth Round)
The rivalry between Manchester Utd and Liverpool was at its height in 1990s and once again a Solskjær appearance off the bench clinched a famous victory.
A Dwight Yorke equaliser with two minutes to go looked to have secured a replay, yet up popped United’s ‘suber-sub’ for a crucial winner in stoppage time.
United went on to win the Cup, as they stormed towards a historic treble.
4) February 6, 1999 – Nottingham Forest (EPL)
With United up 4-1 against Nottingham Forest, in came Ole as a 72nd minute sub. Four goals in nine minutes says it all.
5) May 26, 1999 – Bayern München (UEFA Champions League Final)
This goal doesn’t need any explanation…
6) August 23, 2006 – Charlton Athletic (EPL)
A series of injuries had kept Solskjær fairly quiet for about two seasons but he made a long-awaited return to the Premier League against Charlton for the start of the 2006-07 season.
Again as a substitute, he put the ball in the net for his first Premier League goal since 2003, celebrating in front of the travelling Manchester fans.
7) September 4, 2007 – Sunderland (EPL)
Despite not playing in this fixture, it was a fitting tribute to the Norwegian forward.
The United squad formed a guard of honour to pay their respects as Solskjær officially announced his retirement in front of a packed Old Trafford.
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