Playing part time Third Division football in Norway for Clausenegen FK, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer moved to Premier League Molde in 1995. It was not long before he started to attract the interest of big clubs throughout Europe, dubbed the "Norwegian Alan Shearer".

In the summer of 1996 Alex Ferguson paid a £1.5m fee for Solskjaer's services. Not expecting to be playing for United until the new year, Solskjaer found himself almost a permanent fixture in the first team, scoring on his debut against Blackburn and ending the season as top scorer with 19 goals, 18 of them in the League. Ole quickly became a firm favourite with the United faithful.

A full international for Norway, he won a League Championship medal in his first United season and helped United to the semi-final of the European Cup. United lost out to German team and eventual winners, Borussia Dortmund. He also represented Norway at the 1998 World Cup finals, playing in three matches before Norway where knocked out by Italy.

In 1997-98 he lost his place to the partnership of Andy Cole and Teddy Sheringham, his absence mainly caused by injury. Had he played in more games it is likely United would have won the league instead of Arsenal (who capitalised on United's injury problems late in the season)

1998-99 was a strange season for Solskjaer. He was nearly sold to Spurs for £5.5 million, then scored 17 goals from only 17 starting appearances (including 4 in ten minutes against Forest when he came on as sub in United's amazing 8-1 away win). Then he goes and scores the winning goal in the last minute of the 1999 European Cup final, to go down as a legend in footballing folklore as in "Where were you when Solskjaer put the ball in the Germans net?"

There can be no doubting the Norwegian's importance, with his many goals adding considerably to United's firepower. Ole seemed to be at his most lethal when coming off the subs bench, scoring late that year against Brondby, West Ham, Forest, Liverpool, and Bayern. His loyalty and willingness to sit on the bench as a super-sub, in the end was rewarded for, with the treble of trophies and a place forever in history.

Solskjaer couldn't hope to top his famous moment in the following season but he still was as lethal as ever in front of goal. Despite being constantly linked with a move to Spurs and only starting fifteen Premiership games his form was unaffected as he rattled in the goals again. Highlights would be the stunning four goals he scored at home to Everton, the double against Sunderland and a brilliant volley from 30 yards at home to Sturm Graz.

The away game to Bordeaux was a classic Ole-United smash and grab, as he came off the bench with 5 minutes to go and scored the winner with virtually his first kick of the ball. Ferguson at that time believed Solskjaer was better coming off the bench when opposition legs are tiring, although the records show he actually scores more when he starts then as a sub.

In any other team he would have been a first team starter but then Solskjaer knew that Manchester United are not any other team. He continued to score goals in 2000-2001, often paired alongside Teddy Sheringham with whom he was probably most effective with. Solskjaer scored a steady stream of goals throughout the season, again often coming off the bench. Ole's best moments where the late winner in the 2-1 over Charlton, a brace to sink Ipswitch and a late header to defeat Aston Villa 1-0 at Villa Park.

The 2001-2002 season was Solskjaer's best ever campaign. In a flourishing partnership with new signing Ruud van Nistelrooy the Norwegian got 26 goals. Ole scored twice against in games with Ipswitch, Derby, Nantes, Leeds, Charlton and Deportivo, as well as a brilliant hat-trick away to Bolton.

He showed an increasing lethal-ness in front of goal, taking half-chances and often scoring from impossible angles. His first goal at Charlton was a contender for goal of season with brilliant movement and clinical finish, not forgeting the superb strike he scored away to Lille.

During 2002-2003 Ole often found himself less up front and more out on the right side of midfield. As David Beckham fell out of favour in the winter months, Ferguson seemed to prefer the added goal threat and playing a more free-flowing 4-3-3 system, as opposed to the rigid 4-4-2 of past years. Solskjaer also demonstrated a new found talent for crossing, it was his cross that found the head of Ryan Giggs to level the score 2-2 at Highbury.

He netted his 100th goal for United in a 1-0 victory over West Bromwich Albion on the opening day of the season and went on to score 15 Premiership goals. His best moments were was probably the equaliser at Newcastle and the fourth in United's 4-0 thrashing of Liverpool. With 29 League starting appearances and 9 in Europe, Ole had passed on the role of super-sub to Diego Forlan and shown himself to a much more versatile weapon in Sir Alex Ferguson's formidable attacking armoury.

In 2003-2004 he never got going as the year was blighted by injury. In September after struggling with a knee problem, club doctors decided an operation was needed. Ole was out until the end of February and on his return appeared mostly as sub. Transfer speculation suggested Solskjaer's Old Trafford days were numbered due to the impact of the injury but worse was to follow as his knee broke down again.

At the start of season 2004-2005 it was rumoured Ole's career was finished but thankfully it has proved untrue. After further knee surgery, a long period of rehabilitation was required to build up strength in his knee cartilage. Finally the Norwegian returned in the 2-2 draw with Birmingham on 28th December 2005 and went on to play in five matches.

Despite his long absence, Ole is still a much loved hero amongst United fans who sing his name loudly with the "You are my Solskjaer" song a long standing favourite. He is popular not only for his European Cup winning goal but because he bravely lent support to Shareholders United fight against the Glazer takeover - the only current player to do so.

Though aged 33, Solskjaer is quick to point out he only started playing at 22 and has spent a lot his time on the bench or missing with injury. At an age many are nearing the end, Ole hasn't done anything like the same mileage. On March 31st 2006 he signed a new contract with United until the end of the 2008 season. The contract also allows him to develop his coaching skills and qualifications as well. Sir Alex Ferguson has also stated that Ole would be used in an ambassadorial role for the club.

Last season he showed he still has the goalscoring touch with 11 goals for the Reds in 15 starting appearances with 16 as substitute. His goals include a late strike at Charlton (his first since his return from injury), two at home to Newcastle, the winner at home to Celtic and a last gasp winner at home to Aston Villa. Solskjaer also resumed international duties, scoring twice for Norway away to Hungary in September 2006. In April 2007 Ole said he is likely to retire at the end of next season when his current contract with United ends in June 2008.