By Matt Scott
Manchester United hero, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is on the verge of becoming the new manager of Norwegian club Molde.
Molde, the club that Solskjaer played for before Sir Alex Ferguson plucked him from obscurity and brought him to Old Trafford, have failed on two previous occasions in their bid to bring the 37-year-old back to the club.
Solskjaer was reluctant to leave Manchester United even as a player, despite being used mainly as an impact sub. Since hanging up his boots, the former striker has enjoyed success as Reserve Team manager under Sir Alex’s stewardship. He clinched both the Northern Champions and Play-Off Final Trophy in the Premier Reserve League last season.
However, now it looks as if Solskjaer will finally be moving on after Molde’s Chairman, Erik Berg said, ‘It’s no secret we have worked intensely to get Ole Gunnar but we have not signed a contract yet. I can’t guarantee a press conference next week but to put it this way, I will be delighted to welcome him back.’
Solskjaer, nicknamed by the fans as the baby-faced assassin, has made it public knowledge that one day he wants to be manager of the Manchester United first team and as such, must see the move to Molde as a means of gaining valuable experience.
If Solskjaer does leave then, reportedly, Gary Neville is set to be named the new Reserve Team manager. This gives a strong indication that when his current contract expires at the end of the season, he is set to retire and move into coaching.
During Solskjaer’s 14-year association with the Red Devils he scored 91 goals, none more important or memorable than his 1999 Champions League Final winning goal, which also clinched the Treble for United. His professionalism and selfless attitude during his playing days helped cemented his place in the heart of many Manchester United’s fans as well as the club’s history books.