Photo by Ryan Hiscott/Getty Images
Photo by Ryan Hiscott/Getty Images
Ryan Giggs reflects on his initial impression of training with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Manchester United in 1996.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer arrived at Manchester United as an unknown talent, despite beginning to build a reputation in Norway.
After playing for Clausenengen in the lower tiers of Norwegian football until late 1994, Solskjaer moved to Tippeligaen outfit Molde FK, where he attracted interest from United scout Jim Ryan.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s primary target in 1996 was Alan Shearer, who opted to sign for his hometown club, Newcastle, instead. This led to the transfer of Solskjaer, who went on to become an influential player, especially in the 1999 Treble-winning campaign.
Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer celebrate at Old Trafford
23 Dec 2000: Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer celebrate for Manchester United during the FA Carling Premier League match against Ipswich played at Old Trafford in Manchester, England. United won the game 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Clive Brunskill /Allsport
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Ryan Giggs instantly knew Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was special
When Solskjaer arrived at Old Trafford, the media focused on how United missed out on Shearer.
Solskjaer was viewed as a low-risk striker to provide cover for Eric Cantona and Andy Cole.
In terms of first impressions, Solskjaer scored six minutes into his debut, after coming on as a substitute against Blackburn Rovers.
Later that season, he earned the nickname “The Baby-Faced Assassin,” but Giggs knew instantly after his first training session at United that Solskjaer was a top player.
“The ones who stood out for me were like Chicharito, Ole Gunnar, that you didn’t know too much about,” Giggs told Rio Ferdinand Presents.
“And all of a sudden you see him in training, you go, oh, my God. I remember Ole’s first training session at The Cliff, and we did a shooting practice after training. And I’m like, he scored a header. He scored right foot. He scored left foot. He scored volleys.
“I remember going home to my mates that afternoon and going, we’ve just signed Alan Shearer. We’ve just signed a player. Honestly, because Shearer could score every type of goal. And so we’ve just signed someone. And they’re like, who is it? I said, Ole Gunnar. All right, OK. You’d never really heard of him. And he was an unbelievable finisher.”
⚡️ KEY TAKEAWAYS
Ryan Giggs was instantly impressed by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Manchester United
After one training session, Giggs compared Solskjaer to Alan Shearer
United signed Solskjaer and missing out on Shearer, who left Blackburn Rovers for Newcastle
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Manchester United stats
Solskjaer enjoyed an 11-year playing career at Old Trafford between 1996 and 2007.
The former Norway international, who also spent a period as United manager, played 366 matches for the club.
On top of that, Solskjaer scored 126 goals and registered 58 assists.
Solskjaer also won six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and the Champions League.