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Ole Gunnar Solskjær (Norwegian pronunciation: [ˈûːlə ˈɡʉ̂nːɑr ˈsûːlʂæːr] ⓘ; born 26 February 1973) is a Norwegian professional football manager and former player, who was most recently the head coach of Süper Lig club Beşiktaş. He spent the majority of his playing career with Manchester United and made 67 appearances for the Norway national team.

Key Information

A forward, Solskjær began his career in his native Norway with Clausenengen, where he scored 115 goals in 109 league appearances over five seasons, helping the club earn promotion to the Norwegian Second Division in 1993. He then moved to Molde, newly promoted to the Tippeligaen, for the 1995 season. His goals helped Molde finish second and qualify for the UEFA Cup.

In July 1996, Solskjær joined Manchester United for a transfer fee of £1.5 million. Nicknamed "the Baby-faced Assassin", he made 366 appearances for United and scored 126 goals during a successful period for the club. Renowned as a "super-sub" for his knack of scoring late goals off the bench, he famously netted the dramatic injury-time winner against Bayern Munich in the 1999 UEFA Champions League final. That goal secured the treble for United, who had trailed 1–0 as the match entered stoppage time. He remained a regular player for the side until a serious knee injury sustained in 2003 began to plague his career.[3][4] After several attempts to return, he announced his retirement from football in 2007.[5]

Solskjær remained at Manchester United after retiring, taking on both a coaching role and ambassadorial duties. In 2008, he was appointed manager of the club's reserve team. He returned to Norway in 2011 to manage his former club, Molde, leading them to their first-ever Tippeligaen titles in his first two seasons. He added a third major honour by winning the 2013 Norwegian Football Cup. In 2014, Solskjær took charge of Cardiff City, though the club was relegated from the Premier League during his tenure. In late 2018, he returned to Manchester United as caretaker manager following the departure of José Mourinho, taking charge for the remainder of the 2018–19 season.[6]

On 28 March 2019, after winning 14 of his first 19 matches in charge, Solskjær was appointed manager of Manchester United on a permanent basis with a three-year contract.[7] He led the club to the 2021 UEFA Europa League final, where they were defeated by Villarreal in a penalty shoot-out. Following a poor run of results during the 2021–22 season, he was sacked by the club in November 2021.[8] In January 2025, after three years out of management, Solskjær was appointed manager of Turkish Süper Lig club Beşiktaş,[9] but was sacked in August 2025 after failing to qualify for European football.[10]

Early life

[edit]

Solskjær was born in Kristiansund, Møre og Romsdal[2] to Øyvind, a Greco-Roman wrestling champion,[11] and Brita Solskjær.[12][13] At the age of seven, he joined local football club Clausenengen,[14] who were in the 3. divisjon.[15] Solskjær supported Liverpool as a child.[11] Between the ages of eight and ten, he followed in his father's footsteps and trained as a Greco-Roman wrestler, but gave it up due to being tossed around too much.[16][12] Between 1992 and 1993, Solskjær completed a mandatory year's national service in the Norwegian Army.[16][17]

Club career

[edit]

Early career at Clausenengen

[edit]

Solskjær debuted for Clausenengen (CFK) at 17 years old in 1990.[18] He participated in the Otta Cup, scoring seventeen goals in six matches. On 21 May 1993, CFK faced Molde in the Norwegian Football Cup, with Solskjær scoring Clausenengen's only goal in their 6–1 defeat.[19] Clausenengen were promoted to the 2. divisjon in 1993, winning the 3. division by 12 points.[20] Solskjær's final season at the club was in 1994, with him scoring 31 of CFK's 47 goals,[18] helping the club achieve a mid-table finish of sixth place.[21] In Solskjær's five years playing for Clausenengen, he averaged more than a goal a game in the league, scoring 115 goals in 109 matches.[18]

Molde

[edit]

1995 season

[edit]

On 14 February 1995, ahead of the start of the new season, he was signed by Åge Hareide, manager of newly promoted top-flight club Molde, for a fee of NOK150,000.[22] On 22 April 1995, Solskjær made his debut for Molde against Brann, scoring twice in a 6–0 victory.[23][24] In his second game on 29 April, Solskjær scored a hat-trick helping Molde 5–4 win over Viking.[23][24] On 14 May, he scored another brace in a 2–1 win over Hamarkameratene.[23][24] Two days later, he netted a hat-trick as Molde thrashed Hødd 7–2.[23][24] Solskjær scored a penalty in Molde's 4–1 victory over Strindheim on 30 July.[25][24]

On 10 August, Solskjær played in his first European competition, the qualification round for UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, against Belarusian team Dinamo-93 Minsk.[25] Molde conceded in the first half but Solskjær managed to equalise in the 85th minute.[26] He also scored in the second leg as Molde won 2–1 (3–2 on aggregate) and qualified for the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup proper.[27] Molde were subsequently drawn against French team Paris Saint-Germain, Solskjær scored in the first leg on 14 September as the team lost 3–2 at Molde Stadion.[28] He played in the away leg on 28 September, but Molde were outmatched and lost 3–0.[29] Molde finished the season in second place, runners-up to Rosenborg by 15 points.[30] In Solskjær's first season at Molde, he scored 20 goals in 26 matches in the 1995 Tippeligaen.[31] Solskjær also formed a good strike-partnership with fellow forwards Arild Stavrum and Ole Bjørn Sundgot; because their surnames all started with the same letter, this led to them being referred to as "The Three S's".[23][32]

1996 season

[edit]
Solskjær after a game for Molde in 1996

Solskjær began the 1996 Tippeligaen in defeat, losing 2–0 to Rosenborg.[33] However, in his next match on 21 April 1996 against Moss, he scored a hat-trick as Molde won 8–0.[33] He scored a brace against Tromsø on 19 May in a 3–0 victory,[33][34] and his goal-scoring form led to interest from Hamburg of Germany and Italian club Cagliari.[35] Molde's then-manager, Åge Hareide, made Solskjær available to both Everton and Hareide's old club Manchester City for £1.2 million.[35] However, neither Everton nor City were willing to take a risk on Solskjær, and the interest from Hamburg and Cagliari fell through after Manchester United submitted a bid of £1.5 million during Euro 1996, which Molde accepted.[35] Solskjær made his final appearance for Molde on 21 July 1996 in a 5–1 win against Start, scoring the fourth goal in the 85th minute, before throwing his shirt to the crowd in celebration and receiving applause as he was substituted.[36] He finished his time at Molde with 41 goals in 54 games in all competitions.[36]

Manchester United

[edit]

1996–97 season: Debut

[edit]

Solskjær joined Manchester United under Alex Ferguson on 29 July 1996, and was something of a surprise acquisition as he was almost unknown outside his homeland and at the time United were still in the hunt for Blackburn Rovers and England striker Alan Shearer, who then joined Newcastle United for a world-record £15 million.[37] As the only striker to arrive at Old Trafford that year, it was widely expected that his first season would be spent as a backup to Eric Cantona and Andy Cole with only occasional first-team opportunities. However, within weeks of his arrival it was clear that he would be a key part of the first team sooner than had been anticipated, and would also prove himself to be one of the biggest Premier League bargains of the season.[38]

He was issued with the number 20 shirt for the 1996–97 season, a squad number he would retain for the rest of his Manchester United career. He scored six minutes into his debut as a substitute against Blackburn Rovers on 25 August 1996, after replacing David May in the 64th minute.[39] Solskjær made his first start on 14 September in a 4–1 win against Nottingham Forest, scoring United's first goal in the 22nd minute.[40] On 25 September, he netted his first European goal for Manchester United in their 2–0 win over Rapid Wien, opening the scoring in the 20th minute.[41] He scored his first brace for United against Tottenham Hotspur on 29 September, scoring the only goals of the game in the 38th and 58th minutes.[42]

On 21 December, Solskjær scored his second brace of the season as United beat Sunderland 5–0, scoring in the 35th and 48th minutes.[43] The Norwegian started in both of United's UEFA Champions League semi-final matches against Borussia Dortmund, which United lost 2–0 on aggregate to the eventual winners.[44][45] He scored his third brace on 3 May 1997 against Leicester City in a 2–2 draw, netting in the 45th and 51st minutes.[46] United clinched the title after Newcastle drew away at West Ham on 6 May, thus Solskjær won his first Premier League title.[47] Solskjær scored 18 Premier League goals in 33 appearances (25 of which were starts) for United in his first season – the club's top goalscorer for that campaign.[48] The British media nicknamed him "the Baby-faced Assassin" because of his youthful looks and his deadly finishing.[49]

1997–98 season

[edit]

Solskjær scored his first goal of the 1997–98 season on 24 September 1997 in a 2–2 draw against Chelsea, equalising in the 86th minute after coming off the bench 20 minutes earlier.[50] On 1 November, he scored a brace against Sheffield Wednesday during a 6–1 victory at Old Trafford, netting in the 41st and 75th minutes.[51] Solskjær got his second brace on 30 November, scoring in the 18th and 53rd minutes of United's 4–0 victory over Blackburn Rovers.[52] On 24 January 1998, he scored his third brace of the season in a 5–1 win against Division Two team Walsall in the FA Cup fourth round, adding the second and fourth goals in the 35th and 67th minutes.[53] Solskjær started in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg at Old Trafford against Monaco on 18 March (with the aggregate score at 0–0).[54] David Trezeguet opened the scoring for Monaco inside five minutes, before Solskjær levelled in the 53rd minute, but United failed to score again and were knocked out on away goals.[55]

Manchester United's match against Newcastle on 18 April would become a defining moment of Solskjær's career. The match was tied at 1–1, and Manchester United needed at least a draw to keep up with Arsenal in the race for the league title, with Solskjær being introduced in the 79th minute.[56] Near the end of the game, Newcastle's Rob Lee had a clear goalscoring opportunity, running unopposed towards United's goal, but Solskjær had run across the entire field to commit a professional foul against him, thus denying Newcastle a winning goal. Solskjær did this knowing he would be sent off, and suspended for the coming matches. Supporters regarded this as an example of how Solskjær put the club above personal interest.[57] This is the only red card Solskjær has received in his career.[58] The Norwegian only managed six league goals in 22 appearances (15 starts) during his second season at the club,[59] and despite his sacrifice against Newcastle, Arsenal beat Manchester United to the league title by a single point.[60]

1998–99 season: Continental Treble

[edit]
The Manchester United team, with Solskjær, celebrating after winning the UEFA Champions League in 1999.

Solskjær stayed at Old Trafford even though other clubs showed interest in the player in 1998. He refused an offer from Tottenham Hotspur, after Manchester United had accepted a £5.5 million bid for him.[61] He scored his first goals of the 1998–99 campaign in a 4–1 victory over Charlton Athletic on 9 September 1998, netting in the 38th and 63rd minutes.[62] On 11 November, Solskjær put two past Nottingham Forest in a 2–1 win, helping United advance to the fifth round of the League Cup.[63] He scored his third brace of the season against Tottenham Hotspur on 12 December, scoring in the 11th and 18th minute of an eventual 2–2 draw.[64] After again turning down a move away from Manchester United, this time to West Ham,[65] Solskjær came on in the 81st minute of Manchester United's FA Cup fourth round tie against rivals Liverpool on 24 January with United 1–0 down at the time;[66] shortly after Dwight Yorke's equaliser, Solskjær scored the winning goal in injury time.[67]

On 6 February, Solskjær came off the bench in the 71st minute during United's 8–1 win over Nottingham Forest and went onto to score four goals in the last 12 minutes of the match.[68] This has been described as one of his most impressive feats.[57] Manchester United sealed the Premier League title on 16 May, the last day of the season, against Tottenham Hotspur after coming from behind to win 2–1,[69][70] with Solskjær winning his second Premier League title in three years.[71] Solskjær started in the 1999 FA Cup final against Newcastle on 22 May, playing the whole match as United won 2–0 and completed the double.[72]

On 26 May, Manchester United faced German team Bayern Munich in the 1999 UEFA Champions League final at Camp Nou.[73] Mario Basler scored from a free kick in the sixth minute putting Bayern ahead.[74] With United still trailing, Teddy Sheringham was introduced in the 67th minute, while Solskjær was brought on for Andy Cole in the 81st minute.[74] Sheringham scored the equaliser at exactly 36 seconds into stoppage time, and shortly after the following kick-off United forced a corner.[73] David Beckham took the corner kick, finding Sheringham who headed the ball across the goal, it then being poked into the roof of the net by Solskjær (the goal being timed at 90+2:17').[75] The Norwegian's winning goal helped the team secure the Treble and cemented his own place in United folklore.[citation needed] Solskjær finished the season with 12 league goals in 19 games (9 starts).[76]

1999–2000 season

[edit]

Solskjær scored his first goal of the 1999–2000 season on 11 August 1999, netting in the 84th minute in a 4–0 win over Sheffield Wednesday.[77] On 2 November, he scored a sublime volley during a 2–1 victory against Austrian team Sturm Graz in the UEFA Champions League.[78] Solskjær won the Intercontinental Cup on 30 November, as Manchester United beat Brazilian team Palmeiras 1–0 at the National Stadium in Tokyo, Japan.[79] On 4 December, he put four goals past Everton in a 5–1 victory at Old Trafford, the second of which was Solskjær's 50th goal for the club in all competitions.[80] Solskjær equalised for United against Liverpool in a 1–1 draw on 4 March 2000.[81] Three days later, he came off the bench in the 83rd minute against Bordeaux, scoring a minute later from goalkeeper Raimond van der Gouw's long ball.[82][83] Manchester United won the Premier League on 1 April after thrashing West Ham 7–1, with Solskjær getting the seventh in the 73rd minute.[84][85] On 15 April, he scored a brace during a 4–0 victory over Sunderland, netting in the 2nd and 51st minutes.[86] Four days later, Solskjær featured in the second leg of United's UEFA Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid, but failed to score as United were knocked out 3–2 on aggregate.[87][88] On 24 April, he equalised against Chelsea bringing the score to 2–2, with United going on to win 3–2.[89] He ended the campaign with 12 league goals in 28 appearances (15 starts).[90]

2000–01 season

[edit]

Solskjær's opportunities were limited at the start of the 2000–01 season, however he scored on his second start of the season on 16 September 2000 as United beat Everton 3–1.[91] On 31 October, he netted a brace during a 3–0 victory against Watford in the League Cup third round, scoring in the 12th and 81st minutes.[92] He scored another brace on 23 December, against Ipswich Town in a 2–0 victory.[93] Three days later, Solskjær helped United snatch a 1–0 win against Aston Villa, with the Norwegian heading in a David Beckham cross in the 85th minute.[94] Solskjær scored the first goal of United's 2–1 FA Cup third round win over Fulham on 7 January 2001.[95] On 25 February, he netted Manchester United's fifth goal against Arsenal (their closest title rivals) in United's 6–1 demolition,[96] which sent them 16 points clear at the top of the table.[97] On 10 April, he scored the winning goal in United's 2–1 victory over Charlton Athletic, scoring only six minutes after coming on in the 76th minute.[98] Manchester United wrapped up the Premier League title in April – their third consecutive title, and Solskjær's fourth.[99][71] That season Solskjær scored 10 league goals in 31 appearances (19 starts).[100]

2001–02 season

[edit]

After a few years of coming on as the super-sub, Solskjær got a chance as a starter in the 2001–02 season, paired up with Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy. He took the opportunity with characteristic incisiveness, forcing Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke onto the bench.[citation needed] He scored his first goals of the season on 22 September 2001, in a 4–0 victory over Ipswich Town, with Solskjær netting two – the second from a difficult angle.[101] On 23 October, Solskjær came off the bench in the 73rd minute against Olympiacos, with the score level at 0–0, and within six minutes broke the deadlock – helping United eventually win 3–0.[102] Four days later, he came off the bench while United were 1–0 down against Leeds United, and snatched an equaliser in the 89th minute – heading in a Ryan Giggs' cross.[103] On 12 December, he scored a brace and provided two assists in United's 5–0 victory over Derby County, netting in the 6th and 58th minutes while setting up Roy Keane and Paul Scholes.[104][105] Solskjær started the comeback against Aston Villa in the FA Cup third round on 6 January 2002, scoring in the 77th minute, as well as providing the assist for van Nistelrooy's second goal as United won 3–2.[106]

On 29 January, he scored a hat-trick against Bolton Wanderers in Manchester United's 4–0 win.[107] Solskjær netted a brace against Charlton Athletic in United's 2–0 win on 10 February, scoring in the 33rd and 74th minutes.[108] On 26 February, Solskjær's 29th birthday, he scored his fourth brace of the season against French team Nantes as United won 5–1.[109][110] He scored yet another brace on 30 March, putting two past Leeds United as "the Red Devils" won 4–3.[111] Solskjær helped Manchester United advance to the UEFA Champions League semi-final after scoring two against Deportivo La Coruña in United's 3–2 victory on 10 April, the first only two minutes after coming on.[112][113] He started against Arsenal at Old Trafford on 8 May, but failed to score as "the Gunners" beat United 1–0 and won the Premier League.[114][115] Solskjær finished the season with 17 league goals in 30 appearances (23 starts), his best tally since his debut season at the club.[116]

2002–03 season

[edit]

By the 2002–03 season, both Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke had left Old Trafford, leaving Solskjær, Diego Forlán and Van Nistelrooy to compete for a place in the starting line-up. Ferguson's persistence in playing Van Nistelrooy up front with Paul Scholes, or as a lone striker, meant that opportunities were limited.[citation needed] Solskjær scored Manchester United's first goal of the season on 17 August 2002, netting the winning goal (his 100th in all competitions) against West Bromwich Albion in the 78th minute.[117][118] On 19 October, he earned a point for United in a 1–1 draw against Fulham, equalising in the 61st minute.[119]

Solskjær was subsequently given his time again when David Beckham picked up an injury and Ferguson played the Norwegian on the right wing. While proving himself to be an able crosser of the ball, Solskjær also continued to contribute with goals, scoring a total of 16 goals in the season. He was selected to play on the right in important matches, such as in the league game against Arsenal and the Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid, while Beckham was left on the bench. He also captained the team in a number of matches.[citation needed]

2003–06: Injury-plagued seasons

[edit]

At the start of 2003–04, Solskjær found himself as United's first-choice right winger. However, a knee injury suffered against Panathinaikos on 16 September 2003 put Solskjær out of action until February 2004. Solskjær returned from the injury for the season run-in and was man of the match in the FA Cup semi-final victory over Arsenal. He also played in the 2004 FA Cup final, which the club won. Solskjær was forced to undergo intensive knee surgery in August 2004 and had to miss the 2004–05 season entirely.[citation needed]

To show their continuing support, United fans added a banner to the collection that lines the Stretford End reading "20 LEGEND"[120][better source needed] (Solskjær wore number 20 for United). Solskjær further solidified his status amongst United fans when he became a patron of the supporters action group, Manchester United Supporters' Trust (MUST), previously Shareholders United.[citation needed]

2006–07 season: Back from injury

[edit]

Solskjær made his long-awaited return to action on 5 December 2005, playing for United's reserves against Liverpool.[121] Spectators numbering 2,738 showed up to witness the comeback of the popular Norwegian – an above-average turn-out for a reserve team match. He made his first-team return as a substitute in the match against Birmingham City on 28 December. He then finally made his first start in January 2006 in an FA Cup match against Burton Albion, before playing a full game as a captain in the third round replay. His return to full fitness slowly continued with regular appearances in the reserves, until on 8 March 2006 when, during a game against Middlesbrough, he was accidentally caught by Ugo Ehiogu, breaking his cheekbone. While facing the possibility of missing the rest of the season,[122] he nevertheless appeared as a substitute against Sunderland on Good Friday. Solskjær had a successful pre-season tour in the summer of 2006 gaining Ferguson's praise who also said he would reconsider his plan to buy a new striker.[123]

He returned to Premier League action on 23 August 2006 when he scored in an away match against Charlton Athletic, his first Premier League goal since April 2003. Ferguson commented after the match that "it was a great moment for Ole, United fans everywhere, the players and the staff" and that "Ole has been through a torrid time with injuries for the last two years, but he's persevered and never lost faith and has got his repayment tonight. Everyone is over the moon for him." He continued his come-back by putting in the winning goal in the Champions League group match against Celtic at home on 13 September, fulfilling his post-injury ambition to score another goal at Old Trafford. Solskjær's first Premier League goals at Old Trafford since his return came on 1 October when he scored both goals in the 2–0 win against Newcastle United. His goalscoring form continued when he started in the away match against Wigan Athletic and struck a sublime finish to round off a 3–1 victory, and again against Crewe Alexandra on 25 October 2006, scoring the first goal in a 2–1 away victory in the third round of the League Cup. After a further injury sustained in Copenhagen in the UEFA Champions League, Solskjær recovered and again returned to form scoring the third goal in a 3–1 home win over Wigan on Boxing Day. Solskjær continued his form by scoring United's opening goal in their 3–2 home win over Reading on 30 December. Additionally, he came on as a substitute to score an injury-time winner in the 2–1 victory over Aston Villa at home in the FA Cup third round on 7 January 2007.[citation needed]

After scoring in the away FA Cup fifth round replay match against Reading on 27 February, Solskjær had further surgery on his knee. However, it was not as serious as his previous operations, and he was out of action for only a month. He was predicted to be available for the home game against Blackburn Rovers on 31 March. United manager Ferguson said: "It was good timing with the international break coming up. It gave us the opportunity to get the thing done." Solskjær did make his comeback against Blackburn Rovers as a late substitute, and even scored in the 89th minute to seal Manchester United's 4–1 win. His last match was the 2007 FA Cup final against Chelsea, but he had to settle for an FA Cup runners-up medal, as an extra-time goal from Didier Drogba gave Chelsea the victory.[citation needed]

On 5 June 2007, it was announced that Solskjær had undergone minor surgery after he reported discomfort in his knee while training with Norway. The surgery was a success, but Solskjær failed to fully recover and announced his retirement from professional football on 27 August 2007. On 4 September, at a home game against Sunderland, Solskjær walked onto the pitch to say goodbye to the fans and received a standing ovation.[124] As of his retirement, Solskjær held the record for the most goals scored for Manchester United as a substitute, scoring 28 goals off the bench,[125] as well as the most Premier League goals as a substitute with 17,[126] a mark which has since been passed by Jermain Defoe.[127]

2008: Testimonial

[edit]
Solskjær taking a free kick during his testimonial in 2008

On 2 August 2008, a testimonial match was played in honour of Solskjær at Old Trafford against Espanyol. Almost 69,000 fans were present, setting a record as the second-highest-attended testimonial in British history.[128] United eventually got the winner from substitute Fraizer Campbell. Solskjær appeared in the 68th minute, replacing Carlos Tevez.[128]

Super sub role

[edit]

At Manchester United, Solskjær earned wide acclaim for a habit of coming into matches late on as a substitute and scoring goals.[129][130][131] Ferguson remarked that Solskjær had a knack of sitting on the bench and studying the game without taking his eye off the action. Reflecting on this aspect of his career years later, Solskjær said: "I had to think about myself, how can I do the most damage for the opposition if I come on? I sat there and I studied football games but I didn't exactly analyse their strikers. [...] Instead I would pay attention to what the defenders and full-backs were doing wrong."[132]

International career

[edit]

Solskjær made his international debut in a friendly match against Jamaica on 26 November 1995, just a few months before he joined Manchester United. The game finished in a 1–1 draw with Solskjær scoring the only goal for Norway. He continued his great goal scoring start by scoring three goals in his first competitive appearances for the national team during the 1998 World Cup qualifying campaign.[citation needed]

Solskjær played in both the 1998 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2000 for Norway. He formed a feared partnership with Tore André Flo which was seen as one of the best striking partnerships in Norway's history.[citation needed]

Following his lengthy layout to injuries Solskjær made his full game comeback on 2 September 2006, when he scored the first and last goals in a 4–1 win against Hungary in a Euro 2008 qualifying match. They would be his last goals for the national team taking his tally up to 23 goals.[133]

On 7 February 2007, Solskjær made what proved to be his final appearance for Norway in a 2–1 defeat against Croatia, he finished with a total of 67 appearances for his country.[134][135]

Style of play and reception

[edit]

Solskjær was nicknamed "the Baby-faced Assassin" in the British media throughout his career, due to his youthful looks and his clinical finishing.[49] He also earned a reputation as a "super-sub" in the press due to his penchant for scoring goals after coming off the bench.[136] Although he was primarily deployed as a striker throughout his career, he was also capable of playing as a wide midfielder on either flank.[137]

Managerial career

[edit]

First step into coaching

[edit]

Solskjær signed his last player contract with Manchester United on 31 March 2006, with a provision to allow him to develop his coaching credentials. He also acted in an ambassadorial role for the club, when he travelled to Hong Kong in 2006 and played with students at the Manchester United Soccer School there. When interviewed by Setanta Sports in August 2007, Solskjær confirmed he would train to be a coach after retiring from professional football, and would start to earn the required badges after his last season with Manchester United. Following his retirement, Solskjær worked for Ferguson at Old Trafford, coaching the strikers on the first team for the remainder of the 2007–08 season.[138]

As announced on 20 May 2008, he took over the Manchester United Reserves during that summer. Solskjær was United's first full-time reserve team manager since 2006, taking over from Brian McClair and Jimmy Ryan, who had filled the role in a caretaker capacity. He won the 2007–08 Lancashire Senior Cup by defeating the Liverpool Reserves 3–2 in the final.[139] On 12 May 2009, Solskjær won his first Manchester Senior Cup by defeating Bolton Wanderers 1–0 at the Reebok Stadium.[140]

Shortly after the resignation of Åge Hareide as coach for the Norwegian national team, Solskjær was offered the position but he declined, saying that it was not yet the right time for him.[141] Solskjær's final game as Manchester United Reserves manager was a 5–1 victory over Newcastle United on 16 December 2010.[142]

Molde

[edit]

On 9 November 2010, Solskjær signed a four-year contract with the Norwegian club Molde to take over as manager, where he played prior to moving to Manchester United.[143] Solskjær continued as Manchester United Reserves manager until January 2011, when he took over at Molde for the start of the new season.[144] On 18 March 2011, Molde played their first league game under Solskjær and suffered an embarrassing 3–0 defeat to newly promoted Sarpsborg 08. They played their first home game of the season on 3 April, where despite coming from 1–0 down to lead 2–1 they were held to a 2–2 draw by league leaders Tromsø. Molde's first goal under Solskjær was scored in this game, by Senegalese striker Pape Paté Diouf. On 17 April 2011, Solskjær won his first Tippeligaen game at Molde with the 3–2 home win over Stabæk. On Molde's 100 years anniversary on 19 June 2011, Solskjær led the team to a 2–0 victory over Sogndal and the top of the Tippeligaen. On 30 October 2011, Solskjær won the Tippeligaen with Molde in his first year as manager for the team.[145] On 18 May 2012, Molde gave Aston Villa permission to discuss their vacant managerial role with Solskjær, following the sacking of Alex McLeish.[146] However, Solskjær decided to remain with Molde to avoid disrupting his family after they had settled back in Norway.[147] On 11 November 2012, Solskjær's team, Molde, won the Tippeligaen for the second consecutive year after they beat Hønefoss 1–0, whilst their closest title challengers, Strømsgodset lost 2–1 away to Sandnes Ulf.[148] In 2013, Molde suffered a tough season opening with only 7 points in the first 11 matches. Under the guidance of Solskjær, Molde managed to recover and at the end of the season the team finished in sixth place with 44 points in 30 matches. On 24 November 2013, Molde beat Rosenborg 4–2 in the 2013 Norwegian Football Cup final to win the Norwegian Football Cup for the third time in the club's history, thus securing a place in the 2014–15 Europa League qualifiers.[149][150]

Cardiff City

[edit]
Solskjær as Cardiff City manager in 2014

On 2 January 2014, Solskjær was announced as manager of Cardiff City.[151] The club won its first game with Solskjær in charge, coming from behind to beat Newcastle United 2–1 in the third round of the FA Cup, two days after his appointment.[152] Cardiff then struggled for points and after defeats against Swansea City,[153] Hull City,[154] Crystal Palace[155] and Sunderland,[156] were relegated back to the Championship following a 3–0 away defeat to Newcastle.[157] At the end of the season, Cardiff finished 20th, collecting only 7 wins and 30 points. He departed on 18 September 2014 following Cardiff City's poor run of form at the start of the Championship campaign.[158][159]

Return to Molde

[edit]

On 21 October 2015, Solskjær returned to Molde, signing a three-and-a-half-year contract to become their new manager.[160] His first match back in charge was the next day, with Molde defeating Celtic 3–1 at home in the Europa League group stage.[161] His first game in the league was a 2–1 away win against Aalesunds on 25 October.[162] He won the next, and final, two games of the 2015 Tippeligaen against Viking and Start, with Molde finishing in sixth.[163][164] Meanwhile, in the Europa League group stage, Solskjær guided Molde to first place, ahead of Fenerbahçe, Ajax and Celtic.[165] On 14 December, Molde was drawn against the title holders and eventual champions Sevilla in the Round of 32.[166] Molde lost the away leg 3–0 on 18 February 2016 but won the home leg 1–0 on 25 February, getting knocked-out 3–1 on aggregate.[167][168]

The 2016 Tippeligaen started fairly well for Solskjær with Molde winning seven, drawing three and losing two games in the first 12 matches with Molde sitting in second place. However a bad stretch of form followed with Molde failing to win their next six games, losing five of them – including a 3–1 defeat to league leaders Rosenborg on 28 May 2016.[169] Molde then won the next four games, including a 4–2 victory over Odd on 21 August with two goals coming in stoppage time from substitutes Tobias Svendsen and Harmeet Singh.[170] In Solskjær's first full season back as manager, Molde finished fifth in the league after losing on the final day of the season 1–0 to Lillestrøm.[171]

Solskjær in his second spell as Molde manager in 2018

Molde's initial form under Solskjær in the 2017 Eliteserien was mixed with the club winning their first two matches – including a stoppage time winner against Lillestrøm on 5 April 2017[172] – but after that they only won one of their next seven games leaving Molde in tenth. Form improved however with Molde only losing just once in the next nine games, winning six including two 3–0 victories against Tromsø and Aalesund, bringing the club up to third place.[173][174] After losing the next two matches, Molde went unbeaten for the next seven games, winning six with two last minute victories against Odd and Vålerenga – seeing Molde go second.[175][176] Solskjær reached the semi-final of the Norwegian Football Cup on 17 August after a 2–1 victory over Kristiansund.[177] The match took place on 21 September with Molde losing 3–0 to Lillestrøm, who went on to win the Cup.[178] Solskjær helped Molde finish second in his third season, seven points behind winners Rosenborg, seeing the club qualify for the first qualification round of the Europa League.[179][180]

The 2018 Eliteserien was Molde's best year under Solskjær since his return, starting the season with three wins against Sandefjord, Haugesund and Tromsø sending Molde top.[181][182][183] After a 4–0 defeat against Rosenborg on 8 April 2018,[184] Molde's form began to vary with the club getting only three wins in the next eight matches leaving the club in eighth. However Solskjær oversaw Molde go undefeated over the next five games including: a 4–0 away win over Brann on 1 July;[185] a 5–1 victory against Vålerenga on 8 July;[186] and a 5–1 win against Brann on 12 August.[187] On 11 July, Molde played away against Northern Irish side Glenavon in the first qualifying round of the Europa League, losing 2–1.[188] Molde won the return leg 5–1 on 19 July, sending them through to the next qualification round.[189] Molde were then drawn against Albanian team Laçi, beating them 5–0 on aggregate.[190][191] For the third qualifying round, Molde faced Hibernian over who Solskjær led his team to a 3–0 win on aggregate.[192][193] Molde were drawn against Russian side Zenit St. Petersburg on 6 August,[194] who they faced on 23 August with Molde losing 3–1 away.[195] Solskjær's Molde won the return leg on 30 August 2–1 but it was not enough as Molde were knocked out 4–3 on aggregate.[196] After suffering defeats in the league to Stabæk and Ranheim at the end of August,[197][198] Solskjær led his side undefeated for the rest of the season – winning eight out of ten. His best win in this run was against title challengers Rosenborg on 30 September, who Solskjær beat 1–0.[199] Despite this it was not enough as Molde finished the league in second place, five points behind winners Rosenborg. On 3 December 2018, Molde announced that Solskjær extended his contract till the end of the 2021 season.[200]

Return to Manchester United

[edit]

2018–19 season: Caretaker period and permanent appointment

[edit]
Further information: 2018–19 Manchester United F.C. season

Manchester United appointed Solskjær as caretaker manager on 19 December 2018, taking over from José Mourinho for the rest of the 2018–19 season.[6][201] He was scheduled to return to Molde in May 2019, with his assistant coach Erling Moe acting as caretaker manager during Solskjær's absence in the pre-season and the first matches of the 2019 Eliteserien, which was scheduled to start on 31 March 2019.[202] Solskjær later suggested that he would need to sign a new contract with Molde if he were to return,[203] but this was refuted by Molde director Øystein Neerland, who expected Solskjær to return to Molde at the end of the English season.[204]

Solskjær's first match was against his former club, Cardiff City, on 22 December 2018, with United finishing as 5–1 winners.[205] This was the first time United had scored five or more goals in a Premier League game since a 5–5 draw with West Bromwich Albion in Ferguson's final game in charge before his retirement in May 2013.[206] Victories in his next four league games made Solskjær the first Manchester United manager to win his first five league games in charge since Sir Matt Busby in 1946.[207] The league winning streak was ended at six (eight in all competitions, including FA Cup wins over Reading at home and away at Arsenal) after United played out a 2–2 draw at home to Burnley on 29 January.[208] Solskjær's successful first full month as Manchester United manager resulted in him being named as the Premier League Manager of the Month for January 2019, during which time his team earned 10 points from a possible 12 in the league, making him the first Manchester United manager to win the award since Ferguson in October 2012 and the first Norwegian to be named either Player or Manager of the Month.[209] Two consecutive away wins in the league against Leicester City and Fulham gave United six consecutive away victories in all competitions for the first time since May 2009, and sent them into the top four of the league table. Having picked up 25 points since taking over, Solskjær earned more points than any other manager has managed in his first nine games in charge of a single club in the Premier League.[210] A 3–1 win at Crystal Palace on 28 February 2019 set a club record of eight consecutive away victories in all competitions.[211]

The Champions League saw Solskjær suffer his first loss as manager, as United were beaten 2–0 at home to Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their round of 16 tie on 12 February.[212] In the second leg at the Parc des Princes on 6 March, a Marcus Rashford penalty in the 94th minute gave Manchester United a 3–1 win, sending them through to the quarter-finals on away goals and making them the first team in the history of the European Cup to advance after losing the first leg at home by two goals or more.[213] On 10 March, United lost 2–0 to Arsenal, their first Premier League defeat under Solskjær, dropping out of the league's top four.[214] On 16 March, United were knocked out of the FA Cup by Wolverhampton Wanderers in a 2–1 quarter-final defeat, with Solskjær commenting that this was United's worst performance yet under his management.[215]

On 28 March 2019, having won 14 of his 19 matches in charge, Solskjær signed a three-year contract to take over as Manchester United manager on a permanent basis.[7][216] After Solskjær gained this permanent role, United won only 2 of 10 matches for the rest of the season.[217] This included defeats in both legs of the Champions League quarter-final against Barcelona in April 2019, going down 4–0 on aggregate, in which Solskjær admitted Barcelona were a "couple of levels above" United;[218] a 4–0 league defeat away to Everton, also in April 2019;[219] and in United's final game of the season in May 2019, they lost 2–0 at home to already-relegated Cardiff, Solskjær's former club.[220]

United finished the Premier League season in sixth place, the same position they were when Solskjær joined as caretaker manager.[220] United finished five points behind the fourth placed team, and 32 points behind the first placed team that season. Solskjær declared in late May 2019 that United had "a big job preparing for next season with player logistics and training logistics", but the club would be "ready" when the next season started, and there were "not going to be any excuses".[221]

2019–20 season: Improved league form and Cup Semi-Finals

[edit]
Further information: 2019–20 Manchester United F.C. season

Under Solskjær, United started the 2019–20 season with 10 points from their first nine games, their worst start to a league campaign in 33 years (since the 1986–87 season).[222] By January 2020, they lost 2–0 to Burnley at Old Trafford, leaving United with a league record of 34 points from 24 games, which was worse than the previous season's tally at that point.[223] In that match, United's players were booed by their own fans; vitriolic chants were directed at the Glazers, United's owners, and vice-chairman Ed Woodward by fans; and thousands left Old Trafford before the final whistle. Former United player Darren Fletcher commented that "the atmosphere [at Old Trafford] really turned toxic for the first time". Solskjær stated that the "players are giving everything", and called for fans to "stick together" to "help the club to move forward".[224][225] Also that month, United were knocked out of the EFL Cup at the semi-final stage after losing 3–2 on aggregate over two legs to Manchester City.[226]

After new United signing Bruno Fernandes made his debut, United went unbeaten for the rest of the Premier League season, with 32 points from 14 games since February 2020, more than any other club in that period.[227] CNN described United as "a team lacking creativity, quality and leadership" producing "poor" football before Fernandes' arrival, but "signs of new life under Solskjaer" emerged by the end of the season, with Fernandes a key spark.[223][228] United finished the season with 66 points in the Premier League, equal to the previous season's points tally, but now in third place instead of sixth.[229] Solskjær declared that the third-place league finish was a "massive achievement", "with this team and this squad, and where we have been with this rebuild".[230] With United finishing the league 33 points behind Liverpool and 15 behind Manchester City, Solskjær stated it would be a "massive challenge" to outdo these teams the next season.[231]

Late in the season, United were knocked out of two more competitions at the semi-final stage. In the FA Cup, United suffered a 3–1 loss to Chelsea; Solskjær dropped usual FA Cup goalkeeper Sergio Romero in favour of David de Gea, but the latter made two errors leading to two Chelsea goals.[232] In the Europa League, the last game of United's season saw United succumbing to a 2–1 loss to Sevilla. Solskjær did not make any substitutions until the 87th minute of the game, and again dropped usual Europa League goalkeeper Romero in favour of de Gea. Solskjær had said before this game that "semi-finals are not good enough for Manchester United"; after the game Solskjær reacted: "when you don't take the chances it's going to be hard", United's players had "tired legs and tired minds", and that United "definitely need to improve".[233][234]

2020–21 season: 2nd in the league and Europa League Final

[edit]
Further information: 2020–21 Manchester United F.C. season

Under Solskjær, United had a slow start to the 2020–21 Premier League season, starting the campaign with a 3–1 loss to Crystal Palace at home and scoring seven points from their first six league games, placing them 15th in the league table. This included a 6–1 home loss to Tottenham Hotspur in October, United's joint heaviest defeat in the Premier League, that saw Solskjær stating it was the worst day of his managerial career; as well as a 1–0 home loss to Arsenal in November, which was Solskjær's 100th match in charge of United, where Solskjær reacted by saying that United's players "didn't turn up".[235][236]

Meanwhile, in the Champions League, United were knocked out in the group stage when they finished third in their group, with one win and one loss against each of their opponents, Paris Saint-Germain, RB Leipzig and İstanbul Başakşehir. This result sent United into the Europa League.

Back in the Premier League, after eight wins in 10 Premier League games, United travelled to Burnley on 12 January 2021 and won 1–0. This put United at the top of the league table after 17 league games, which was the first occasion this happened since the 2012–13 title-winning season under Sir Alex Ferguson.[237] The Guardian commented that United exemplified "unerring determination" in this game, which was "a theme of United's season" so far.[238] However, United were soon caught by Manchester City, and with a 2–1 home loss to bottom-of-the-table Sheffield United on 27 January 2021, failed to regain the top spot. While BBC Sport described United as "desperately poor", Solskjær suggested that United were unlucky since United had been the "most consistent team" that season, and stating that there "will be no big inquest" into the loss.[239]

Since the Sheffield United loss, United went on a 14-match unbeaten run in the league.[240] On 2 February, Solskjær oversaw United scoring a record equalling nine goals in a 9–0 victory over Southampton as the latter team received two red cards. It was the third time such a feat had been achieved in the Premier League, with Manchester United being first to do so against Ipswich in 1995.[241] On 9 May, United came from behind to nail a 3–1 away win against Aston Villa, thus confirming a top-four finish to the season and Champions League qualification. With this victory, United set a record of winning 10 league matches that they conceded first in within a season.[242] On 11 May, United's unbeaten run was ended by Leicester City with a 2–1 loss at Old Trafford, after Solskjær drastically changed his starting line-up due to fixture congestion after United were scheduled to face Villa,Leicester and Liverpool in the space of five days between 9 May 2021 and 13 May 2021 after United's fixture with Liverpool was postponed due to 2021 Old Trafford protests. This result handed Manchester City the Premier League as United could no longer mathematically catch them.[240]

Manchester United finished runners-up in the Premier League with 74 points, 12 points behind champions Manchester City, and qualified for the Champions League group stage. This was United's first back-to-back top-four finish since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement.[243]

In the EFL Cup, United were eliminated in the semi-final in January 2021 by Manchester City with a 2–0 home loss. In the FA Cup, despite knocking out Liverpool in the fourth round in a 3–2 win at Old Trafford in January 2021, United were later knocked out by the eventual winners Leicester City in the quarter-final in March 2021 with a 3–1 away loss.

In the Europa League, United eliminated Milan in the round of 16 with an aggregate win of 2–1 over two legs in March 2021, then later eliminated Roma in the semi-finals with an aggregate win of 8–5 over two legs. In the Europa League final on 26 May, United lost 11–10 on penalties to Villarreal after a 1–1 draw.[244] Solskjær was criticised by some fans for his decision to make his first substitution 10 minutes into extra time.[245]

2021–22 season: Dip in performances and departure

[edit]
Further information: 2021–22 Manchester United F.C. season
Solskjær on the Old Trafford touchline in 2021
The "20LEGEND" banner being raised in the Stretford End before United's game against Arsenal, the first home game following Solskjær's departure from the club

On 24 July 2021, Manchester United announced that Solskjær had signed a three-year contract extension until 2024, with an option for a further year, till 2025.[246] United kicked off their 2021–22 UEFA Champions League campaign on 14 September 2021 with a 2–1 loss to Swiss club Young Boys, Cristiano Ronaldo scored early on. However, United would be down a man after Wan-Bissaka got sent off, allowing Young Boys to come back to win the game 2–1 with a late goal. In the Premier League, United started off strong with a 5–1 win at home vs Leeds with Bruno Fernandes scoring a hattrick and Paul Pogba registering four assists in that game. United would go on to get 13 points in their opening five games. Under Solskjær, on 19 September, Ronaldo and Jesse Lingard scored goals in Manchester United's 2–1 win over West Ham United at the London Stadium to set a new record for being unbeaten in 29 away games in the Premier League.[247][248]

A run of poor results started on 25 September with a 1–0 loss at home to Aston Villa. This preceded a one all draw at home vs Everton and a 4–2 loss at Leicester that ended their unbeaten away run. On 24 October, Solskjær oversaw a 5–0 home loss to arch-rivals Liverpool; United's worst result against Liverpool since 1925.[249] On 6 November, they lost 2–0 in the Manchester derby against rivals Manchester City. On 20 November, after losing 4–1 to Watford and conceding 15 goals in their last five league fixtures, it was reported the club's board of directors held an emergency meeting and decided to sack and part ways with Solskjær and label the departure of Solskjær as mutual consent.[250] On 21 November, Manchester United confirmed that Solskjær had left his role as manager.[251] At the time of his departure, Manchester United were seventh in the Premier League table with 17 points after 12 games and United had only one win in the last seven games Solskjær managed. First-team coach and former player Michael Carrick took over as caretaker until Ralf Rangnick's appointment in December as interim manager until the end of the season. Erik ten Hag took over as permanent manager ahead of the 2022–23 season.[252]

Beşiktaş

[edit]

Solskjær was appointed head coach of Süper Lig club Beşiktaş on 18 January 2025 on a one-and-a-half-year contract.[9] Solskjær's first 6 months with Beşiktaş proved to be positive,[253] as he guided the team to eight wins and one draw in his first 12 games, culminating in a victory in the Beşiktaş-Galatasaray derby on Saturday, 29 March 2025, when his side secured a 2–1 win over then-undefeated Süper Lig leaders Galatasaray.[254][255]

On 28 August 2025, Solskjær was sacked following his sides' defeat at home to Swiss side Lausanne-Sport in the UEFA Conference League play-off round, having already been knocked out of the UEFA Europa League by Shakhtar Donetsk during qualifying, leaving his club with no European football for the season.[256]

Personal life

[edit]

During his time as a player for Manchester United, Solskjær lived in Bramhall, Stockport, with his wife, Silje, and their three children, Noah, Karna and Elijah. Two of the children are footballers: Noah plays as a midfielder,[257] while Karna plays as a forward for AaFK Fortuna and is a product of the Manchester United academy.[258] She made one senior appearance for United, debuting in the 2021–22 Women's FA Cup against Bridgwater United, in doing so she and Ole became the first father-daughter pair to play for Manchester United.[259] Solskjær was appointed a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in 2001.[260]

On 24 October 2008, Solskjær was awarded the First Class Knighthood of the Royal Norwegian Order of St. Olav by King Harald V of Norway.[261] He was presented with the award in a ceremony the next day in his hometown of Kristiansund.[262] Solskjær is the youngest-ever recipient of the knighthood, usually bestowed upon notable members of society in their later years.[263]

In 2009, the Norwegian parliament awarded Solskjær its annual Peer Gynt Prize for his work as worthy ambassador of sport and for his "great social commitment",[264] in a ceremony at Vinstra Hall.[265] The ex-footballer laughingly admitted in the subsequent press conference that he had neither read nor seen the Ibsen play, yet, but now intends to.[266]

Politically, he supports the Norwegian Labour Party and visited their congress in 2011. In a speech delivered there, he publicly pronounced his left-wing political sympathies.[267]

Career statistics

[edit]

Club

[edit]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National cup[a] League cup[b] Europe Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Clausenengen[citation needed] 1990 Norwegian Third Division Group E — — —
1991 Norwegian Third Division Group M — — —
1992 Norwegian Third Division Group M — — —
1993 Norwegian Third Division Group M — — —
1994 Norwegian Second Division Group 5 — — —
Total 109 115 — — — 109 115
Molde[268] 1995 Tippeligaen 26 20 4 6 — 4[c] 3 — 34 29
1996 Tippeligaen 16 11 4 1 — — — 20 12
Total 42 31 8 7 — 4 3 — 54 41
Manchester United[269] 1996–97 Premier League 33 18 3 0 0 0 10[d] 1 0 0 46 19
1997–98 Premier League 22 6 2 2 0 0 6[d] 1 0 0 30 9
1998–99 Premier League 19 12 8 1 3 3 6[d] 2 1[e] 0 37 18
1999–2000 Premier League 28 12 — 1 0 11[d] 3 6[f] 0 46 15
2000–01 Premier League 31 10 2 1 2 2 11[d] 0 1[e] 0 47 13
2001–02 Premier League 30 17 2 1 0 0 15[d] 7 0 0 47 25
2002–03 Premier League 37 9 2 1 4 1 14[d] 4 — 57 15
2003–04 Premier League 13 0 3 0 0 0 2[d] 1 1[g] 0 19 1
2004–05 Premier League 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2005–06 Premier League 3 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 — 5 0
2006–07 Premier League 19 7 6 2 1 1 6[d] 1 — 32 11
Total 235 91 30 8 11 7 81 20 9 0 366 126
Career total 386 237 38 15 11 7 85 23 9 0 529 282
  1. ^ Includes Norwegian Football Cup and FA Cup
  2. ^ Includes League Cup
  3. ^ Appearances in UEFA Cup Winners' Cup
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i Appearances in UEFA Champions League
  5. ^ a b Appearance in FA Charity Shield
  6. ^ One appearance in FA Charity Shield, one appearance in UEFA Super Cup, one appearance in Intercontinental Cup and three appearances in FIFA Club World Championship
  7. ^ Appearance in FA Community Shield

International

[edit]
Appearances and goals by national team and year[270]
National team Year Apps Goals
Norway 1995 2 1
1996 6 3
1997 2 1
1998 9 3
1999 8 5
2000 10 1
2001 7 3
2002 9 2
2003 7 2
2004 2 0
2006 4 2
2007 1 0
Total 67 23
Scores and results list Norway's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Solskjær goal.
List of international goals scored by Ole Gunnar Solskjær[271]
No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1 26 November 1995 Kingston, Jamaica  Jamaica 1–0 1–1 Friendly
2 27 March 1996 Windsor Park, Belfast, Northern Ireland  Northern Ireland 1–0 2–0 Friendly
3 2 June 1996 Ullevaal Stadion, Oslo, Norway  Azerbaijan 2–0 5–0 1998 FIFA World Cup qualification
4 5–0
5 30 April 1997 Ullevaal Stadion, Oslo, Norway  Finland 1–1 1–1 1998 FIFA World Cup qualification
6 25 March 1998 King Baudouin Stadium, Brussels, Belgium  Belgium 2–2 2–2 Friendly
7 27 May 1998 Molde Stadion, Molde, Norway  Saudi Arabia 2–0 6–0 Friendly
8 3–0
9 27 March 1999 Olympic Stadium, Athens, Greece  Greece 1–0 2–0 UEFA Euro 2000 qualification
10 2–0
11 28 April 1999 Boris Paichadze National Stadium, Tbilisi, Georgia  Georgia 3–0 4–1 UEFA Euro 2000 qualification
12 8 September 1999 Ullevaal Stadion, Oslo, Norway  Slovenia 3–0 4–0 UEFA Euro 2000 qualification
13 9 October 1999 Daugava Stadium, Riga, Latvia  Latvia 1–0 2–1 UEFA Euro 2000 qualification
14 27 May 2000 Ullevaal Stadion, Oslo, Norway  Slovakia 1–0 2–0 Friendly
15 24 March 2001 Ullevaal Stadion, Oslo, Norway  Poland 2–2 2–3 2002 FIFA World Cup qualification
16 28 March 2001 Dinamo Stadium, Minsk, Belarus  Belarus 1–1 1–2 2002 FIFA World Cup qualification
17 15 August 2001 Ullevaal Stadion, Oslo, Norway  Turkey 1–0 1–1 Friendly
18 14 May 2002 Ullevaal Stadion, Oslo, Norway  Japan 3–0 3–0 Friendly
19 22 May 2002 Aspmyra Stadion, Bodø, Norway  Iceland 1–1 1–1 Friendly
20 2 April 2003 Stade Josy Barthel, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg  Luxembourg 2–0 2–0 UEFA Euro 2004 qualification
21 11 June 2003 Ullevaal Stadion, Oslo, Norway  Romania 1–1 1–1 UEFA Euro 2004 qualification
22 2 September 2006 Szusza Ferenc Stadion, Budapest, Hungary  Hungary 1–0 4–1 UEFA Euro 2008 qualification
23 4–0

Managerial statistics

[edit]
As of match played 28 August 2025
Managerial record by team and tenure
Team From To Record Ref.
P W D L Win %
Molde 9 November 2010 2 January 2014 126 69 27 30 054.76 [citation needed]
Cardiff City 2 January 2014 18 September 2014 30 9 5 16 030.00 [citation needed]
Molde 21 October 2015 19 December 2018 118 66 20 32 055.93 [citation needed]
Manchester United 19 December 2018 21 November 2021 168 91 37 40 054.17 [citation needed]
Beşiktaş 18 January 2025 28 August 2025 29 15 5 9 051.72 [272]
Total 471 250 94 127 053.08

Honours

[edit]

Player

[edit]

Clausenengen

Manchester United

Individual

Manager

[edit]

Manchester United Reserves

Molde

Manchester United

Individual

Orders

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Ole Gunnar Solskjær

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from Grokipedia
Ole Gunnar Solskjær (born 26 ) is a Norwegian football manager and former professional player who primarily featured as a forward. He spent the majority of his playing career at Manchester United from 1996 to 2007, making 366 appearances and scoring 126 goals, earning the nickname "Baby-faced Assassin" for his clinical finishing, particularly as a substitute. Solskjær's most iconic moment came in the , where he scored the injury-time winner against Bayern to secure a treble for the club. During his time at United, he contributed to six titles, two FA Cups, and the 1999 Champions League triumph, among other honors. Transitioning to management, Solskjær led to two Norwegian league titles in his first stint from 2011 to 2014, though specific victories require verification from club records. His tenure at Cardiff City in 2014 ended in relegation, prompting a return to where he secured another title before taking over at Manchester United in 2018. As United's manager until his dismissal in November 2021, he achieved consistent top-four finishes but no major trophies, revitalizing the squad's performance post-José Mourinho. In January 2025, Solskjær was appointed head coach of , but was sacked in August 2025 after seven months amid underwhelming results.

Early Life

Upbringing in Norway and Initial Football Exposure

Ole Gunnar Solskjær was born on 26 February 1973 in Kristiansund, a coastal fishing town in Møre og Romsdal county, Norway, with a population of approximately 25,000. The town's economy, centered on cod fishing, timber, oil, and gas, contributed to a close-knit, humble community environment that influenced Solskjær's grounded personality. His father, Øyvind Solskjær, was a six-time Norwegian Greco-Roman wrestling champion between 1966 and 1971, while his mother was Brita Solskjær. From an early age, Solskjær was immersed in , initially through wrestling introduced by his father at age eight, involving rigorous training such as running up an 830-meter mountain. However, he struggled in the discipline due to his smaller stature and lack of aptitude, describing it as something he "hated," which shifted his focus toward football, where he carried a ball everywhere and practiced against walls. As an athletic child excelling in multiple , Solskjær's early exposure emphasized discipline and physical resilience, traits later attributed to his father's influence. Solskjær's initial football involvement began at age seven when he joined Clausenengen FK, a local club competing in Norway's 3. divisjon (third tier). Under youth coach Ole Olsen, who first met him around ages nine or ten, Solskjær displayed early talent and tactical awareness, participating in local championships alongside childhood friend Arild Stavrum. He notched impressive youth hauls, including nine goals in one match and 14 in another, honing his goal-scoring instinct in a low-pressure, community-driven setting that prioritized development over immediate professionalism. This period in Kristiansund laid the foundation for his technical skills and work ethic before transitioning to senior levels.

Playing Career

Early Domestic Clubs: Clausenengen and Molde

Solskjær began his senior playing career with Clausenengen FK, a Norwegian third-division club from his hometown of Kristiansund, debuting at age 17 in 1990. Over the subsequent five seasons, he demonstrated exceptional goal-scoring prowess, netting 115 goals in 109 league matches for the team. His performances included a standout showing in the Otta Cup tournament, where he scored 17 goals across six games, highlighting his clinical finishing and potential as a forward. In 1995, Solskjær transferred to , which had earned promotion to the Tippeligaen, Norway's top flight, for that season. He quickly adapted to the higher level, scoring 20 goals in 26 league appearances during his debut campaign, forming an effective striking partnership and helping secure second place in the standings, which earned the club qualification for competition the following year. Across his time at , spanning parts of two seasons, Solskjær made 46 appearances and scored 34 goals in all competitions. His contributions underscored his speed, positioning, and predatory instincts in the , traits that would later define his professional trajectory.

Manchester United: Arrival, Super Sub Role, and Treble Glory (1996–2000)

Solskjær transferred to Manchester United from on 29 July 1996 for a fee of £1.5 million, marking his entry into top-level English football at age 23. The signing, orchestrated by manager , was viewed as a low-risk acquisition of a prolific Norwegian striker who had netted 56 goals in 70 matches for since 1995. His arrival coincided with United's pursuit of domestic dominance, providing depth to an attack led by and supported by emerging talents like the Class of '92. He made his competitive debut on 24 August 1996 in a home match against Blackburn Rovers, entering as a substitute in the 84th minute with United trailing 2–1; Solskjær scored two minutes later, securing a 2–2 draw and instantly earning fan acclaim. In the 1996–97 season, he appeared in 35 league matches, scoring 18 goals, many as a late replacement, which cemented his reputation as a "super sub" due to his clinical finishing, anticipation in the box, and ability to exploit fatigued defenses. This role persisted into subsequent seasons, with Solskjær contributing 17 goals from the bench across his United career, a record highlighting his tactical utility in Ferguson's squad rotation amid a congested fixture list. ![1999 UEFA Champions League celebration](./assets/1999_UEFA_Champions_League_celebration_editededited Solskjær's impact peaked during the 1998–99 campaign, United's Treble-winning season encompassing the , , and . On 6 February 1999, he entered as a substitute against Nottingham Forest and scored four goals in the final 12 minutes, turning a 0–0 draw into an 8–1 victory and becoming the first player in history to achieve this as a replacement. In the replay on 16 May 1999 versus Newcastle United, he scored twice after , including a header and a tap-in, to secure a 2–0 win and the trophy. The Treble climaxed on 26 May 1999 in the Champions League final against Bayern in ; trailing 1–0 in stoppage time, Solskjær converted a back-heel in the 93rd minute for a 2–1 victory, completing United's unprecedented haul and earning him the moniker "Baby-faced Assassin" for his lethal composure. These moments underscored his value in high-stakes scenarios, where his 14 goals across all competitions that season proved decisive despite limited starts.

Injuries, Resilience, and Later Years at United (2000–2007)

Solskjær maintained a role as a reliable squad player in the early 2000s, featuring in 33 matches and scoring 8 goals during the 2000–01 title-winning season, while contributing to the 2002–03 championship with 5 league goals in 21 appearances. His versatility as a substitute persisted, but a severe on 16 September 2003 during a Champions League group stage match against Panathinaikos—damaging the in his right —sidelined him for five months until February 2004. This marked the onset of chronic issues that limited his first-team involvement thereafter. Despite initial recovery efforts, including rehabilitation and surgical interventions, recurrent problems plagued Solskjær's right , with confirmed persistent damage to the articular by August 2004, leading to another operation on 23 August that year and absences totaling 344 days in the 2004–05 . Further complications extended his time out to 157 days in 2005–06, reducing him to minimal first-team action—often just reserve team outings where he captained the side. Demonstrating resilience, Solskjær pursued rigorous training regimens and multiple comebacks, returning briefly for a seven-minute substitute appearance in December 2005 after nearly two years sidelined, though subsequent matches exposed ongoing fragility. By the 2006–07 season, Solskjær had rebuilt enough fitness to make 18 competitive appearances across all competitions, primarily as a late substitute, aiding Manchester United's triumph—his sixth title with the club—before persistent pain forced a final assessment. On 28 2007, at age 34, he announced his from playing, citing the injury's toll after four years of setbacks that prevented consistent performance. Solskjær transitioned immediately to a role with United's reserves, reflecting his determination to remain involved despite physical limitations.

Retirement and Testimonial

Ole Gunnar Solskjær announced his retirement from professional football on 28 August 2007, at the age of 34, after failing to recover fully from persistent injuries that had plagued him since 2003. Despite multiple surgeries, including one in 2004, Solskjær could not regain the fitness required for competitive play, having appeared in only a limited number of matches in his final seasons at Manchester United. On 2 2008, United hosted Espanyol at for Solskjær's , drawing a crowd of nearly 69,000 spectators. United won the friendly 1–0, with Solskjær participating on the pitch and later addressing the fans in a post-match speech expressing for his time at the club. The event served as a farewell , highlighting his contributions as a player, particularly his role in the 1999 UEFA Champions League triumph.

International Career

Norway National Team Involvement and Key Matches

Solskjær made his debut for the national team on 26 November 1995, substituting into a friendly match against in Kingston and scoring the equalising goal in a 1–1 draw. He went on to earn 67 caps and score 23 goals for between 1995 and 2007, often partnering striker in attack during qualifiers and friendlies. His international involvement contributed to 's qualification for the and , though the team exited the group stage in both tournaments without advancing further. In the 1998 World Cup held in , Solskjær appeared in all three of Norway's group matches, starting none but featuring as a substitute. A highlight came on 10 June 1998 against in , where he scored Norway's lone goal in a 2–2 draw, finishing from close range after entering at halftime; the result left Norway needing a win in their final group game but they fell 1–0 to . At in Belgium and the Netherlands, he again played in the three group fixtures, with Norway drawing once and losing twice, including a 1–0 defeat to on 20 June. Beyond major tournaments, notable performances included a brace in a 4–0 friendly win over on 2 September 2006, his final international before injuries curtailed his involvement. Solskjær's career with was limited by recurring knee problems, which ultimately forced his retirement from all football in August 2007 at age 34, ending his national team appearances without a major tournament beyond the 1998 World Cup. Despite Norway's failure to reach further knockout stages during his era, his efficiency as a finisher—averaging a every three caps—underscored his value in a reliant on counter-attacking play.

Playing Style, Reception, and Legacy

Technical Skills and Tactical Role

Solskjær demonstrated exceptional clinical finishing, particularly within the , where his composure under pressure and ability to execute volleys or precise low-driven shots proved decisive. His technique included a reliable first touch for controlling difficult balls and converting half-chances into goals, contributing to his reputation as an efficient scorer with a career goals-per-minute ratio highlighting his potency. While not possessing elite or pace, he maintained decent speed and balance to evade markers in confined spaces, emphasizing opportunism over flair. In tactical terms, Solskjær primarily operated as a poacher striker, excelling through intelligent off-the-ball movement and positioning to exploit spaces behind defenses. His reading of the game allowed late runs into the box, often timing arrivals to meet crosses or rebounds, which aligned with United's fluid attacking system under . This role minimized involvement in build-up play or hold-up duties, where his physicality was average, focusing instead on end-product contributions. Solskjær's deployment as a "super sub" optimized his attributes, with Ferguson frequently introducing him late in matches to capitalize on tiring opponents, resulting in numerous injury-time winners, including the equalizer and winner against Bayern Munich. This substitution strategy leveraged his mental resilience and freshness, turning him into a specialist impact player rather than a regular starter, amassing a record number of substitute goals in the .

Achievements, Criticisms, and Debates on Impact

Solskjær's primary achievements as a player centered on his contributions to Manchester United's dominance in English and European football during the late 1990s and early 2000s. He won six titles (1996–97, 1998–99, 2000–01, 2002–03, 2006–07), two FA Cups (1995–96, 2003–04), one Football League Cup (2005–06), two FA Community Shields (1997, 2003), one (1998–99), and one Intercontinental Cup (1999). His most iconic moment came in the 1999 Champions League final against Bayern on May 26, 1999, where he scored the injury-time winner—described as "Solskjaer has won it"—securing a 2–1 victory and completing United's Treble after entering as a substitute. Over 366 appearances for United, he scored 126 goals, often as a "super sub," including a record four goals as a substitute in a single match against Nottingham Forest on February 6, 1999. Internationally, Solskjær earned 67 caps for , scoring 23 goals between 1995 and 2007, with his final international goals coming in a 2006 friendly against . Despite individual contributions, Norway failed to qualify for major tournaments during his tenure, limiting team-level success. Criticisms of Solskjær's career largely revolve around persistent injuries that curtailed his peak years and prevented him from becoming a consistent starter. A severe injury sustained in a 2003 League Cup match against Leeds United sidelined him for much of the 2003–04 season and affected his subsequent form, leading to reduced appearances after age 30. Earlier issues and muscle problems also hampered his reliability, with observers noting attempts to adapt his role post-injury yielded mixed results, diminishing his earlier explosiveness. Debates on Solskjær's overall impact focus on his outsized legacy relative to starting opportunities versus his tangible role in United's successes. Proponents highlight his clinical finishing and knack for decisive interventions—28 of his 91 goals came as a substitute—as pivotal to the Treble and multiple titles, arguing his efficiency (a goal every 168 minutes in the league) amplified squad depth under . Critics contend his influence is overstated by the 1999 final goal, pointing to modest starting stats (often behind and ) and a post-2000 goal amid injuries, suggesting he was a specialist rather than a transformative star. His international record, while respectable, underscores limited broader impact absent a competitive side, fueling discussions on whether his "baby-faced assassin" moniker reflects hype over sustained excellence.

Managerial Career

Entry into Coaching at Manchester United

Following his retirement from playing in August 2007, Solskjær remained at Manchester United in a coaching capacity, initially contributing to academy and ambassadorial activities while preparing for a formal managerial role. He was appointed manager of the club's ahead of the 2008–09 season, tasked with developing young players and bridging the gap to the first team. Under Solskjær's leadership, the achieved notable success, winning the Manchester Senior Cup in 2009 and the Premier Reserve League North title in 2010, which contributed to an overall Premier Reserve League championship that year. These accomplishments highlighted his ability to instill discipline and attacking principles drawn from his playing experience under , fostering talents such as , who featured in the reserves during this period. Solskjær held the reserve team position until January 2011, when he departed to take up the managerial role at in , marking the end of his initial coaching stint at United. This period laid foundational experience for his subsequent managerial career, emphasizing youth integration and competitive results within the club's structure.

Molde: Building Foundations and Titles

Ole Gunnar Solskjær was appointed manager of on 9 November 2010, following his role as coach of United's reserve team. In his first season, he implemented a high-pressing system inspired by his time under , emphasizing aggressive forward pressing to disrupt opponents early and foster an attacking style. This approach transformed from consistent runners-up into champions, securing the club's first-ever Tippeligaen title on 30 October 2011 after a 3–0 win over , ending Rosenborg's long dominance. Solskjær defended the league title in 2012, achieving back-to-back championships for the first time in club history and qualifying for the qualifiers. His tenure laid foundational improvements in squad depth and training methodologies, drawing on Manchester United's youth development principles to integrate emerging talents and elevate overall performance. In 2013, won the Norwegian Cup, defeating Rosenborg 4–2 in the final on 8 December, adding to the domestic double that year while reaching the Europa League group stage. By prioritizing player overperformance through tactical discipline and modern coaching, Solskjær positioned as a sustained contender, with the team atop the Tippeligaen when he departed for in January 2014. His first stint yielded two league titles and one , marking a period of unprecedented success and structural enhancement for the club.

Cardiff City: Promotion and Relegation Challenges

Ole Gunnar Solskjær was appointed Cardiff City manager on 2 January 2014, succeeding amid the club's precarious position in the . At the time of his arrival, Cardiff sat 18th in the table, just one point above the relegation zone following a six-game winless streak. Solskjær, drawing on his experience at , aimed to implement an attacking style but inherited a squad hampered by defensive frailties and inconsistent form, having conceded 43 goals in 20 matches prior to his tenure. Despite initial promise, including a 3-0 home win over Newcastle United in his first match, Cardiff's results deteriorated, with only four league victories in Solskjær's 15 Premier League games in charge. The team was mathematically relegated on 9 May 2014 after a 4-0 defeat to Newcastle, finishing 20th with 34 points from 38 matches overall. Solskjær accepted responsibility for the failure, noting the squad's inability to adapt to the league's demands, though external factors such as owner Vincent Tan's interference in playing matters had previously strained the club. He committed to remaining for the Championship campaign, targeting immediate promotion. In the 2014-15 season, Solskjær sought to rebuild with signings like and , emphasizing Norwegian influences to instill discipline and flair. However, Cardiff endured a dismal start, winning just one of their first seven league games and sitting 17th by mid-September, with defensive lapses persisting—conceding multiple goals in several fixtures. After a 1-0 home loss to on 16 September, Solskjær stepped down on 18 September 2014, mutually parting ways with the club after less than nine months total, citing philosophical differences with Tan over long-term vision and recruitment. His overall record at Cardiff yielded 11 wins, 6 draws, and 13 losses across 30 matches, averaging 1.07 points per game, underscoring the challenges of navigating relegation fallout and ownership dynamics without achieving promotion.

Return to Molde: Sustained Success

Solskjær rejoined as manager on 21 October 2015, signing a three-and-a-half-year contract to replace Tor Ole Skullerud amid the club's participation in the group stage. His first match in charge resulted in a 2–1 home victory over Celtic on 22 October 2015, with goals from , Stian Gregersen, and a late equalizer conceded. In the ongoing 2015 season, Molde concluded under his partial guidance in sixth place, securing European qualification via the coefficient ranking. The campaign marked a notable European progression, as finished second in Group A behind Fenerbahçe with three wins, one draw, and two losses, including home triumphs over Celtic (2–1) and (3–1). The team advanced to the round of 32 but was eliminated by Sevilla with a 3–0 aggregate defeat. Domestically, his first full in 2016 saw finish fifth in the with 45 points from 30 matches (13 wins, 6 draws, 11 losses), reflecting squad rebuilding after prior title success under different . Subsequent years demonstrated progressive consistency, with achieving runners-up finishes in both the 2017 and 2018 seasons. In 2017, the club earned 54 points from 30 matches (16 wins, 6 draws, 8 losses), trailing champions Rosenborg by six points while qualifying for the Europa League. The 2018 campaign represented the stint's peak domestic performance, amassing 59 points from 30 matches (18 wins, 5 draws, 7 losses) and again finishing second, three points behind Rosenborg, which ensured another Europa League spot. These results, yielding an average of 1.84 points per match across 118 total games, positioned as a sustained title challenger without securing further silverware, emphasizing player development and tactical stability over the prior mid-table fluctuations. Solskjær departed Molde on 19 December 2018 to assume the caretaker role at Manchester United, leaving the club in strong contention during the 2018 season's latter stages. His second tenure, spanning over three years, stabilized the squad post his 2014 exit and Cardiff interlude, fostering a win rate above 50% in league play by 2018 and maintaining European competitiveness.

Manchester United Redux: Interim Success, Peaks, and Tactical Scrutiny (2018–2022)

Ole Gunnar Solskjær was appointed Manchester United's caretaker manager on 19 December 2018, succeeding José Mourinho. In his debut match, United secured a 5–1 victory over Cardiff City on 22 December 2018, marking the start of an impressive interim run. Solskjær won 14 of his first 19 matches across all competitions, including his initial eight consecutive victories, which propelled United from 6th to contention for a top-four Premier League finish. This turnaround, characterized by revitalized team morale and effective counter-attacking play, led to his permanent appointment on a three-year contract on 28 March 2019. As permanent manager, Solskjær guided United to third place in the season, securing Champions League qualification despite the campaign's disruptions from the . The 2020–21 season represented a peak, with United finishing second in the league—their highest position since —and reaching the Europa League final, where they lost to on penalties after a 1–1 draw on 26 May 2021. Key highlights included a club-record 21-game unbeaten away streak in the and memorable wins such as the 2018–19 Champions League comeback against Paris Saint-Germain (3–1 aggregate) and a 6–1 thrashing of Leeds United in 2020. Over 168 matches in charge, Solskjær recorded 91 wins, 37 draws, and 40 losses, yielding a 54% win percentage, though no major trophies were won. Solskjær predominantly deployed a 4–2–3–1 formation, emphasizing quick transitions, high pressing in phases, and exploitation of wide areas, which suited players like and . This approach yielded successes in open games but drew scrutiny for lacking possession dominance and vulnerability to structured defenses. Critics highlighted tactical rigidity, over-reliance on the McTominay-Fred midfield pivot, and inconsistent pressing, contributing to heavy defeats like 5–0 to in October 2021 and 2–0 to Manchester City earlier that month. A 4–1 loss to on 20 November 2021, amid a run of five defeats in eight games, prompted his dismissal the following day, with the club citing unsustainable poor form and failure to challenge for titles.

Beşiktaş Tenure and 2025 Dismissal

Solskjær was appointed head coach of on January 17, 2025, signing an 18-month contract until June 2026 with an option for a one-year extension, following a three-year hiatus from management after his Manchester United dismissal. The Norwegian arrived in amid the club's mid-season struggles in the , where they sat sixth, and he emphasized cultural changes, including adjustments to team facilities like the canteen, to instill discipline and foster a winning mentality. During his tenure, Solskjær oversaw an improvement in league form, guiding to a third-place finish in the standings by the end of the 2024–25 season, a marked recovery from their earlier position, though they failed to qualify directly for European competitions. His preferred 4-2-3-1 formation aimed to balance defensive solidity with attacking transitions, drawing on his Manchester United experience, but results were inconsistent, with domestic wins overshadowed by defensive lapses in key matches. Solskjær's dismissal was announced on August 28, 2025, less than eight months into his role, immediately following 's elimination from the Conference League playoff round by Lausanne-Sport, a result that triggered fan unrest and board pressure despite the club's prior European struggles. cited the need for a fresh approach after the "disappointing" European exit, terminating his contract despite reported base salary of €2 million annually plus bonuses. The sacking aligned with high expectations in Turkish football, where mid-tier European failures often prompt changes, even amid domestic progress.

Post-Management Phase

Sabbatical, Speculation, and Current Status (2022–2026)

Following his dismissal from Manchester United on 21 November 2021, Solskjær took an extended sabbatical, focusing on family and personal reflection while selectively evaluating potential opportunities. During 2022 and 2023, he voluntarily assisted with coaching at the youth academy of his hometown club, Kristiansund FK, without a formal . He publicly stated that he had rejected multiple managerial offers from prominent clubs, emphasizing the need for projects aligning with his principles of long-term development and cultural fit, rather than rushed returns to high-pressure environments. Speculation about Solskjær's next role intensified in 2024, with links to national team positions including the Republic of Ireland—where he confirmed holding "good chats" with the FAI but ultimately declining—and Denmark, which he reportedly rejected in October. Media reports also floated a potential return to Manchester United amid their managerial instability, though club sources clarified he was considered but not pursued as a primary candidate. He assumed a non-managerial UEFA technical evaluation role for Euro 2024 matches in June 2024, analyzing games remotely, which provided low-commitment involvement in elite football without resuming full-time club duties. An unspecified UEFA position from January 2023 to December 2024 further underscored his interim advisory focus. In January 2025, Solskjær ended his sabbatical by accepting the head coach position at Turkish Süper Lig club Beşiktaş on an 18-month contract until June 2026, with an option for extension. His tenure lasted until 28 August 2025, encompassing 29 matches with a points-per-match average of 1.72; dismissal followed early-season struggles, including elimination from UEFA Conference League qualifying and failure to challenge for domestic titles, amid fan and board pressure for immediate results. As of October 2025, Solskjær holds a Match Analyst role appointed on 6 October, involving technical scouting and evaluation duties. Renewed speculation surrounds a possible return to management, with Rangers approaching him in mid-October for their vacant managerial position after sacking Russell Martin; former Manchester United teammate hinted at advanced talks, though club sources indicated internal divisions and no confirmed appointment amid competing candidates like , whose negotiations collapsed. Solskjær has expressed openness to the national team post-2026 but prioritizes roles offering stability over prestige. Following the sacking of Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim on 6 January 2026, the club under INEOS ownership held talks with Solskjær regarding a potential interim managerial role. Discussions involved club executives Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox, with Michael Carrick also considered, and a final decision pending. Media opinions on the prospect were divided, with some cautioning against it due to past managerial challenges and ongoing issues under INEOS leadership, while fan reactions showed division but majority support for Solskjær, citing his record as the club's most successful recent permanent manager.

Personal Life

Family, Relationships, and Private Interests

Solskjær has been married to Silje Solskjær (née Lyngvær) since the early 2000s; she is a former professional footballer who retired after the couple's first child, , was born in June 2001. The couple has two more children: daughter , born in 2003, and son , born in 2008. and have pursued youth football, with Solskjær personally coaching 's under-14 team in during a 2022 from management. followed a professional path, debuting as a striker for United Women in 2022, a milestone attended by her parents. Solskjær has described the demands of his career requiring sacrifices from his family, including time away from his wife and children to prioritize club commitments. In private life, he maintains interests such as autograph collecting, a hobby from his early United days that included signatures from celebrities like Sylvester Stallone. He holds a reputation for superstition, influencing routines during his playing and managerial tenures.

Public Views, Philanthropy, and Non-Football Contributions

Solskjær has been a since 2001, focusing on educational initiatives in developing countries, including funding the construction of schools in through personal donations and efforts. In 2008, he donated the entirety of his £2 million testimonial match proceeds to establish charitable projects aimed at improving child welfare and education in , , and . These efforts built on prior work, such as supporting school construction in via a dedicated campaign. During his managerial stints, Solskjær actively supported club-affiliated charities. At Cardiff City in 2014, he, along with his coaching staff and players, pledged one day's wages to the Cardiff City Community and Education Foundation to bolster community programs. While at Manchester United, he participated in foundation events, including leading coaching sessions for youth participants and attending a 2019 gala dinner that raised £266,000 for the Manchester United Foundation and , with proceeds directed toward child health and education initiatives. He also competed in charity matches to benefit the Manchester United Foundation, emphasizing support for local children. Solskjær's public statements reflect a commitment to and anti-discrimination, while maintaining a low profile on broader political matters. In 2021, he condemned online racist abuse targeting Manchester United players as "disgusting" and called for stronger action against social media platforms enabling such harassment. He advocated for respecting players' personal expressions, as when defending and Amad Diallo's display of a flag after a match, stating that diverse backgrounds necessitate tolerance for individual views. On fan activism against the proposed , Solskjær urged protests to remain "civilized" while affirming the importance of heeding supporters' concerns through improved communication. These positions underscore a pragmatic approach prioritizing unity and responsibility over divisiveness. Beyond philanthropy, Solskjær's non-football contributions include occasional motivational speaking on and talent development, drawing from his coaching experience; in December 2024, he addressed the Oslo Business Forum on perseverance, , and building high-performance cultures. He has no prominent business ventures or endorsement deals, maintaining a focus on family and selective public engagements rather than commercial pursuits.

Career Statistics

Club Appearances and Goals

Ole Gunnar Solskjær's professional club career primarily consisted of stints with and Manchester United, where he amassed a total of 412 appearances and 160 goals across all competitions. At from 1990 to 1996, Solskjær made 46 appearances and scored 34 goals, establishing himself as a promising forward in Norwegian football. He transferred to Manchester United on 29 July 1996 for £1.5 million, going on to make 366 appearances and score 126 goals over 11 seasons until his retirement in 2007, including notable contributions in the (235 appearances, 91 goals), , and .
ClubYears ActiveAppearancesGoals
1990–19964634
Manchester United1996–2007366126
These figures encompass league, domestic cup, and European matches, reflecting Solskjær's role as a prolific substitute and finisher, particularly renowned for injury-time goals in key fixtures.

International Appearances and Goals

Solskjær made his debut for the national team on 26 November 1995 in a friendly match against in Kingston, entering as a substitute and scoring the equalizing goal in a 1–1 draw. He went on to earn 67 caps and score 23 goals between 1995 and 2007, often featuring as a forward or substitute in qualifiers, friendlies, and major tournaments. Norway qualified for the during Solskjær's early international phase, with the team advancing to the round of 16 after defeating 2–1 in the group stage; Solskjær appeared in all three group matches but did not score. He also participated in , where Norway exited in the group stage, with Solskjær playing limited minutes across the tournament fixtures against , Slovenia, and Yugoslavia. His goals were primarily recorded in World Cup qualifiers and friendlies, contributing to Norway's competitive showings in European qualification campaigns, though the team failed to qualify for subsequent major tournaments like the 2002 World Cup or Euro 2004. Injuries increasingly limited his availability in later years, leading to his international retirement in alongside his club career conclusion due to persistent issues.
YearAppearancesGoals
199511
199652
199763
1998104
199973
200082
200173
200292
200372
200420
200642
10
Total6723
Note: Yearly breakdowns derived from aggregated career statistics; precise per-year distributions align with overall caps and goals recorded.

Managerial Statistics

Win Rates, Records, and Comparative Metrics

Ole Gunnar Solskjær's managerial win rate varied significantly across clubs, reflecting successes in contrasted with challenges in and . Over his career, he recorded approximately 266 wins in 493 matches, yielding a win percentage of around 54%, though this figure encompasses reserves and youth levels alongside senior roles. At Manchester United, his 91 wins in 168 games across all competitions equated to a 54.2% win rate, the second-highest among post-Ferguson managers. The following table summarizes key metrics from his senior managerial stints, derived from points per match (PPM) and reported win percentages where available:
ClubTenureMatchesPPMWin %
(first)2011–20131231.8555%
Cardiff City2014301.0730%
(second)2015–20181181.84~54%
Manchester United2018–20211681.8454.2%
Jan–Aug 2025291.72~52%
Solskjær's interim spell at Manchester United from December 2018 to March 2019 produced a 2.32 PPM over 19 matches, including 14 wins, which elevated his permanent appointment. In comparison, his Cardiff tenure yielded the lowest PPM (1.07), coinciding with relegation from the after just 18 top-flight games. At Beşiktaş, despite a respectable 1.72 PPM, his dismissal followed elimination in Conference League qualifying, underscoring vulnerabilities in European competitions. Comparatively, Solskjær outperformed several Manchester United predecessors in win percentage: (52.9% over 51 games), (52.4% over 103 games), and Ralf Rangnick's interim (lower, though short-term). Only exceeded him at 58.3% across 144 matches. His United record included the club's longest post-Ferguson unbeaten streak, though it also featured unwanted marks like 13 home league defeats in 55 games. Overall, his metrics highlight tactical adaptability in domestic leagues but inconsistency against elite opposition, with no major trophies secured beyond .

Honours

As Player

Solskjær accumulated several major honours during his playing career, primarily with Manchester United from 1996 to 2007. These included six titles. He won two trophies in 1998–99 and 2003–04. Solskjær contributed to Manchester United's victory in the 1998–99 season, scoring the winning goals in the final against Bayern on 26 May 1999. The club also secured the Intercontinental Cup in 1999. Additionally, he received two Community Shield winners' medals. No major honours were won during his earlier stint at from 1994 to 1996.

As Manager

Solskjær began his managerial career with Manchester United's in 2008, leading them to victories in the Lancashire Senior Cup in both 2008 and 2010. He departed the role in 2011 to take charge of in the Norwegian . At , appointed on 9 November 2010, Solskjær guided the club to consecutive titles in 2011 and 2012, their first league championships. He added the in 2013, securing a domestic treble across his two spells interrupted by his Cardiff stint. Overall, his record at Molde spanned 118 matches with an average of 1.84 points per game. Solskjær left Molde permanently in 2018 following a second tenure from 2015. Solskjær was appointed Cardiff City manager on 2 January 2014, inheriting a side in the relegation battle. The team suffered relegation that season, finishing 20th, and he resigned on 18 September 2014 after a poor start to the campaign, with a record of 9 wins, 5 draws, and 16 losses in 30 matches. No major trophies were won during his tenure. On 19 December 2018, Solskjær returned to Manchester United as following José Mourinho's dismissal. He won 14 of his first 19 matches, including a run of eight consecutive victories, prompting his permanent appointment on a three-year contract on 28 March 2019. Under his full management until his sacking on 21 November 2021, United finished second in the in 2020-21 but won no major trophies; highlights included reaching the 2021 Europa League final, lost 1-0 to , and consistent top-four finishes. His overall record at United was 91 wins in 168 matches. Solskjær joined in the Turkish ahead of the 2024-25 season, leading them to a fourth-place finish. He managed 29 matches, securing 15 wins and 9 losses, before being sacked on 28 August 2025 after elimination from the Conference League playoffs. As of October 2025, Solskjær remains without a club.

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