Solskjaer to Manage Norwegian Club Molde

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.

John O’Shea Must Think He’s Dreaming

Image Credit Wikimedia

By Matt Scott
The Sun recently revealed that Republic of Ireland international John O’Shea has signed a new £16.5million contract.

Sir Alex Ferguson is keen to tie down the remaining Manchester United players whose contracts are running out. This news comes off the back of Wayne Rooney’s new, reported, £250,000 a week contract. Patrice Evra, who has been an ever present in the United side this season, has also just recently signed a new long term £100,000 a week contract.

29-year-old O’Shea, who won’t argue against the fact that he isn’t as integral to the team as Evra or Rooney, will no doubt be delighted with his £80,000 a week deal. O’Shea, who defines the term versatile, has played all across the back four and midfield as well as a brief appearance as an emergency goalkeeper during his 12 year career at Old Trafford.

John O'Shea, Wayne Rooney, Michael Carrick - Image Credit Wikimedia

The new contracts that are being offered to players are a statement of intent from the club, to let that fans know that they can still compete on a financial level with the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City. David Gill, the Manchester United Chief executive said, ‘we have a policy that wages should be 50per cent or less of our turnover. We believe that we can do that and still retain and attract the starts that we need. This is a sensible model.’

It has also been suggested that Brazilian midfielder Anderson, who is yet to justify his hefty price tag, will be offered a new deal. This may come as a surprise to some fans that have seen much speculation linking Anderson with move away from Manchester. The likes of Portuguese Giants Porto and Greek side Panathinaikos have been mentioned as potential destinations.