johnsen_ronny
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Ronny Johnsen - Manchester United defender - Player profile & stats |
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| Name: Ronny Jean Johnsen |
Nationality: Norway |
| Position: defender |
Signing Information: Transferred from: Besiktas, 10/07/1996, £1.2m |
| Birthdate: 10-06-1969 |
Years at Club: 1996-2002 |
| Age: (55) |
Debut: 17/08/1996 v Wimbledon (A) 3-0 (Premiership) |
| Birthplace: Sandefjord, Norway |
Previous clubs: Stokke, EIK-Tonsberg, Lyn Oslo, Lillestrom, Besiktas |
| Height: 6' 3" (1.91m) |
Farewell to Manchester United: Transferred to Aston Villa, 30/06/2002, £Free |
| Weight: 13st 2lbs (83.46kg) |
Passed Away: |
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Ronny Johnsen is a former Norwegian footballer who is best known for his time at Manchester United, where he played as a centre-back and occasionally as a defensive midfielder. Known for his versatility, calmness under pressure, and intelligent positioning, Johnsen was a key figure in Sir Alex Ferguson’s United squad during the late 1990s, particularly in the historic 1999 treble-winning season.
Early Career and Move to Manchester United
Johnsen began his career in Norway, playing for clubs such as Lyn and Lillestrøm, before moving to Besiktas in Turkey. His solid performances at Besiktas caught the attention of Manchester United, who signed him in 1996 for £1.2 million. Johnsen quickly established himself as an important part of United’s defense, forming a formidable partnership with fellow centre-back Jaap Stam.
Career at Manchester United (1996–2002)
Johnsen spent six seasons at Manchester United, where he contributed to the club’s domestic and European successes. His versatility, which allowed him to fill in as a midfielder when needed, was a valuable asset for Sir Alex Ferguson.
Key Achievements at Manchester United:
Premier League Titles: Johnsen won four Premier League titles with Manchester United (1997, 1999, 2000, 2001), playing a crucial role in United’s defensive setup during their era of dominance.
1999 Treble: Johnsen was a key player in United’s 1999 treble-winning season, where the club won the Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League. He started in the Champions League final against Bayern Munich, where United famously came from behind to win 2-1.
FA Cup (1999): Johnsen also lifted the FA Cup as part of the treble, contributing to United’s success across all competitions during that historic season.
Playing Style: Calm, Composed, and Versatile
Johnsen was known for his composure on the ball, intelligent positioning, and ability to read the game. His versatility allowed him to play both as a centre-back and as a defensive midfielder, offering Ferguson tactical flexibility. His calm presence in high-pressure situations made him a reliable figure in United’s defense during the club’s most successful period.
Injury Struggles
Despite his success at Manchester United, Johnsen’s career was hampered by recurring injuries, particularly knee problems, which limited his appearances in later seasons. However, when fit, he remained an important player for United until his departure in 2002.
International Career
Johnsen earned 62 caps for the Norwegian national team, representing Norway at the 1998 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2000. He was a key player for Norway during this period, contributing to their strong defensive performances on the international stage.
Later Career and Retirement
After leaving Manchester United in 2002, Johnsen had spells with Aston Villa and Newcastle United in the Premier League before returning to Norway to finish his career at Vålerenga. He retired from professional football in 2005.
Legacy
Ronny Johnsen is remembered as a versatile and reliable defender who played a crucial role in Manchester United’s treble-winning season in 1999. His ability to play both in defense and midfield made him a valuable asset to Sir Alex Ferguson’s squad, and his calmness under pressure helped United secure some of their greatest triumphs. Despite injuries affecting the latter part of his career, Johnsen’s contributions to United’s success during the late 1990s ensure his place among the club’s most respected players.
Summary
Ronny Johnsen was a key player for Manchester United from 1996 to 2002, winning four Premier League titles and playing an important role in the club’s 1999 treble-winning season. Known for his versatility and composure, Johnsen was a reliable figure in United’s defense and also represented Norway at the international level. His calm and composed style of play, coupled with his versatility, made him one of the most dependable defenders of his era. |
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| League |
League Cup |
FA Cup |
Charity Shield |
European Cup |
Europa League |
Super Cup |
Cup Winners Cup |
Inter-Continental Cup |
World Clubs Cup |
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| No |
Season |
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Season
Goals |
Season
Apps |
| 1 |
1996-1997 |
0 |
31 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
9 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
42 |
| 2 |
1997-1998 |
2 |
22 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
5 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
32 |
| 3 |
1998-1999 |
3 |
22 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
5 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
8 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
37 |
| 4 |
1999-2000 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
| 5 |
2000-2001 |
1 |
11 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
17 |
| 6 |
2001-2002 |
1 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
9 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
19 |
| TOTALS |
7 |
99 |
0 |
3 |
1 |
10 |
1 |
3 |
0 |
35 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
9 |
150 |
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