In a recent interview, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer shared an interesting tidbit about his transfer to Manchester United back in 1996. The Norwegian striker revealed that Wolves were also interested in signing him before he made the move to Old Trafford from Molde.
Solskjaer became a legendary player at United, with his most memorable moment coming in the 1999 Champions League final when he scored a last-minute winner against Bayern Munich at Camp Nou. During his time at United, he scored 91 goals and provided 31 assists in 235 Premier League games, despite starting just 151 of those matches.
Under the guidance of Sir Alex Ferguson, Solskjaer won six league titles, two FA Cups, and Community Shields, in addition to their Champions League triumph. His impact on the team was undeniable, with his knack for scoring crucial goals off the bench earning him the nickname “The Baby-faced Assassin.”
Reflecting on his transfer to United, Solskjaer recounted how a standout performance for Norway in a World Cup qualifier caught the eye of both United and Wolves. After scoring two goals against Azerbaijan, United’s assistant manager Jim Ryan quickly alerted Ferguson about the talented striker before Wolves could make a move.
Solskjaer made an immediate impact at United, scoring on his Premier League debut as a substitute against Blackburn Rovers. He further solidified his place in United folklore by scoring four goals off the bench in a memorable 8-1 victory over Nottingham Forest in February 1999.
The swift transfer from Molde to United ultimately set Solskjaer on a path to greatness, as he became one of the most beloved players in the club’s history. His ability to deliver in crucial moments and his humble demeanor endeared him to fans around the world, solidifying his status as a true United legend.
