Ole Gunnar Solskjaer: Man Utd Legend Talks About His Career, His Unusual Talent and His Love of Championship Manager

The Man Behind the Legend: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Journey with Manchester United

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the iconic Manchester United player who scored one of the most memorable goals in club history, sat down with Kelly Somers to discuss his remarkable journey from a young football enthusiast to a respected manager. Born on October 18, 1973, in Kristiansund, Norway, Solskjaer’s love for the game began at an early age.

From Childhood Dreams to Professional Football

“Because football is the best game in the world,” Solskjaer said. “I can’t remember life without football since I was young.” His mother and father, he recalls, once told him that one of his first actions as a toddler involved kicking a lamp. This early passion led to a whirlwind rise through Norwegian youth ranks before catching the eye of English clubs.

During his military service from 1992 to 1994, Solskjaer temporarily stepped away from football but returned with renewed vigor upon returning home. He quickly rose through the ranks and eventually signed with Manchester United in 1996 for a fee of £500,000.

The Treble-Winning Moment

In 1999, Solskjaer’s career took an unforgettable turn when he scored the injury-time winner against Bayern Munich in the Champions League final. “It was one of 126 goals I scored in 366 appearances for Manchester United,” he said. This moment not only clinched the Treble but also marked a defining chapter in his life.

The Managerial Path

Reflecting on his managerial career, Solskjaer credits his early fascination with football management games as a child for sparking an interest that stayed with him throughout his playing days. “I always had this manager in me,” he explained. “When I was 13 or 14, I used to coach the younger boys in my local streets and make our own game, which was probably the prequel to the Championship Manager game.”

His time as a player under Sir Alex Ferguson taught him valuable lessons on coaching tactics and leadership. However, it wasn’t until he faced an injury that Solskjaer decided to pursue a career in management. “That’s when I said, ‘I need to stay in the game,’ and started all these coaching courses,” he added.

The Managerial Challenges

Managing Manchester United came with immense pressure, especially during tough times. Solskjaer recounted one particularly difficult match against Everton: “Carlo Ancelotti was standing in my technical area, and the fourth official said, ‘Carlo, you need to get back into your technical area unless you want Ole’s job.’ That moment reinforced his belief that pressure is a privilege.” Despite these challenges, Solskjaer managed Manchester United from 2018 until 2021, guiding them to second place in the Premier League and an Europa League final appearance.

Legacy and Future Aspirations

“Not lifting a trophy for Manchester United as a manager” is something Solskjaer still hopes to achieve. He also expressed pride in his daughter playing for Manchester United Women, making them the only father-daughter combination to have played for the club. Looking ahead, Solskjaer remains passionate about football and considers Norway’s World Cup campaign an opportunity to contribute.

“I surprised you by saying I would have been an accountant,” he chuckled, “but my brain is always going.” This reflects his multifaceted approach to the game, blending business acumen with a deep understanding of strategy and tactics. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s legacy continues to inspire both players and managers alike.