Solskjaer leaves Man. United to join Norway’s Molde

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been installed as the new manager of Molde, severing a 14-year tie with Manchester United.

Solskjaer was unveiled by the Norwegian outfit yesterday after deciding to quit as United’s reserve team boss, leaving Alex Ferguson to find a replacement.

The 37-year-old’s time at Old Trafford will forever be remembered for the heart-stopping injury-time winner in the 1999 Champions League final against Bayern Munich.

It was one of 126 goals in 366 appearances for the Red Devils, his £1.5 million move from Molde in 1996 going down as one of the shrewdest pieces of business in Ferguson’s entire time as Man. United boss.

Although the player’s career was eventually ended by a persistent knee injury in 2007, Ferguson had long-since identified Solskjaer as potential management material and offered him the chance of becoming reserve team boss as part of a coaching shake-up that saw the Norwegian work alongside Warren Joyce.

However, with his three young children, Noah, Karna and Elijah all growing up, Solskjaer has now decided to branch out with his old club, leaving with Ferguson’s blessing.

“Ole has had a good period with our reserve team, which has given him a foundation to start somewhere else,” confirmed Ferguson.

“He has been a fantastic servant to us and I am sure he will do well.”