Ole Gunnar Solskjær is a legendary former footballer and manager best known for his playing days as a clinical striker for Manchester United and his later role as the club’s manager. As a player, Solskjær was renowned for his ability to come off the bench and score crucial goals, earning him the nickname "The Baby-Faced Assassin." His most iconic moment came in the 1999 UEFA Champions League Final, where his stoppage-time goal secured United’s historic treble.
After retiring as a player, Solskjær embarked on a managerial career, which included a high-profile stint as Manchester United’s manager from 2018 to 2021. Despite showing promise as manager and overseeing several key moments during his time at the helm, Solskjær’s tenure ultimately ended without securing major silverware, leading to his departure in November 2021.
Playing Career at Manchester United (1996–2007)
Solskjær joined Manchester United in 1996 from Norwegian club Molde for a modest fee. He quickly became a fan favorite for his knack of scoring important goals, often coming off the bench. Solskjær was a versatile forward, capable of playing in a variety of attacking roles, but it was his ability to score late goals that defined his United career.
Key Moments as a Player:
- Treble-Winning Season (1998-99): Solskjær’s most famous moment came during United’s treble-winning campaign, where he scored the winning goal in the 1999 UEFA Champions League Final against Bayern Munich, completing a dramatic comeback and securing Manchester United’s historic treble (Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League).
- Super-Sub Reputation: Throughout his career, Solskjær developed a reputation for being the ultimate “super-sub,” scoring key goals as a substitute. His intelligence, finishing ability, and calm demeanor made him one of Sir Alex Ferguson’s most trusted players off the bench.
- Goalscoring Record: Solskjær made 366 appearances for Manchester United, scoring 126 goals. He won six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and the UEFA Champions League with the club.
Injuries and Retirement
Injuries plagued the latter part of Solskjær’s career, and after battling recurring knee issues, he retired from professional football in 2007. After retiring, Solskjær remained at Manchester United as a coach, working with the club’s reserves before moving into management.
Managerial Career
Early Managerial Roles
After retiring from playing, Solskjær began his managerial career with Manchester United’s reserve team before returning to Norway to manage his former club, Molde, in 2011. At Molde, Solskjær won back-to-back Norwegian Tippeligaen titles in 2011 and 2012, marking a successful start to his managerial career.
In 2014, Solskjær had a brief and unsuccessful stint in the Premier League as manager of Cardiff City, where he was unable to prevent the club’s relegation. He returned to Molde after leaving Cardiff and continued to manage the Norwegian club until his appointment as Manchester United’s interim manager in December 2018.
Manchester United Manager (2018–2021)
Solskjær was appointed Manchester United’s interim manager in December 2018 following the dismissal of José Mourinho. Under Solskjær, United initially experienced a remarkable turnaround in form, going on a lengthy unbeaten run and playing a more attacking, free-flowing style of football. This revival included a famous 3-1 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League Round of 16, where United overturned a 2-0 first-leg deficit to progress to the quarter-finals.
Permanent Appointment (2019)
Following his impressive start as interim manager, Solskjær was appointed as Manchester United’s permanent manager in March 2019. While his initial tenure brought optimism, the team’s inconsistency and struggles to win major trophies would define his time in charge.
Key Achievements as Manchester United Manager:
- 2019-2020 Season: Solskjær led Manchester United to a third-place finish in the Premier League and reached three semi-finals in domestic cup competitions and the Europa League.
- 2020-2021 Season: United finished second in the Premier League under Solskjær’s leadership, their highest finish in several years. Solskjær also guided United to the Europa League final, but they lost to Villarreal on penalties.
- Player Development: Solskjær played a key role in developing young players, such as Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood, and Scott McTominay, while also integrating key signings like Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire.
Struggles and Departure
Despite some positive moments, Solskjær’s tenure was ultimately marred by inconsistency, particularly in big matches. His inability to win a major trophy became a significant talking point, and United’s performances deteriorated in the early part of the 2021-2022 season. Following a string of poor results, including a 5-0 defeat to Liverpool, Solskjær was dismissed in November 2021, ending his three-year reign as United manager.
Managerial Style
Solskjær was known for his focus on attacking football, a trait he inherited from his time as a player under Sir Alex Ferguson. He favored a counter-attacking approach, especially against top teams, while encouraging a positive, forward-thinking style. However, his tactical flexibility was often criticized, particularly in matches where United struggled to break down defensive-minded opposition.
Solskjær’s ability to nurture young talent and foster a positive atmosphere within the squad was a hallmark of his management. However, his lack of success in securing major trophies ultimately led to his departure.
Legacy
Ole Gunnar Solskjær will always be remembered as a Manchester United legend, both for his contributions as a player and for his time as manager. His winning goal in the 1999 Champions League final remains one of the most iconic moments in the club’s history. As a manager, while he brought a renewed sense of optimism and played a crucial role in stabilizing the club post-Mourinho, his inability to deliver silverware defined his time in charge.
Summary
Ole Gunnar Solskjær is a Manchester United icon, celebrated for his role in securing the club’s 1999 treble with a stoppage-time goal in the Champions League final. After a successful playing career, Solskjær went on to manage Manchester United from 2018 to 2021, delivering moments of promise but ultimately failing to secure a major trophy. His legacy as both a player and a manager ensures that his name will always be remembered fondly by Manchester United fans. |
