Who Put the Ball in the German's Net ?

Tomorrow afternoon at Old Trafford, the United faithfuls have the chance to welcome back one legend, and say goodbye to another. When Roy Keane came out of the tunnel to led his Sunderland team as manager, there can be no doubt that a standing ovation for him was in order. It was under his leadership as a player that Manchester United enjoyed their most successful season to date, the 98/99 season which United won the famous treble.

But it was the leaving of another player that probably stoke up the most emotion. The player who coincidentally had as much say in that famous season as Keane, have announced his retirement from the game. After 3 years struggling with knee injury, Ole Solskjaer finally gave up any hope of playing professionally again.

The player who the press dubbed as 'The Babyfaced Assassin', due to his boyish look and his accuracy in front of goal, was probably ranked as one of the best buy Sir Alex Ferguson have ever made. When in the summer of 1996, Fergie failed to land Alan Shearer for the third time, he then settled for this then-unknown Norwegian to bolster his attacking options. Bought for a mere 1.5 million pounds, from Norway premier division side Molde FC, not many people paid much attention to this transfer. Karel Poborsky and Jordi Cruyff arrival after their impressive performance in Euro 1996 took most of it. But after the 96/97 season ended there's no doubt who people noticed most. Making the most of Andy Cole season long injury, Solskjaer ended as the club topscorer, scoring 19 goals, 18 in the league, and helped United retain their title.

Despite the impressive first season, Solskjaer never managed to hold a place as a regular starter afterwards, as Teddy Sheringham came next season, and Dwight Yorke the season after that. Not that he complained though. Despite the limited chance, he still managed to score double figures each season. Statistically, Solskjaer at that time was the most efficient striker in the league in terms of goals and minutes played.

In that fateful 1998/1999 season, Yorke and Cole partnership was firing all cylinders in domestically and in Europe, and Solskjaer saw his opportunities even more limited. So when United accepted a bid from Tottenham Hotspurs, United fans feared the worse. To their relief though, he rejected first team football with Spurs to stay with United. That decision cemented his status with the United fans, who already take him to heart when he deliberately received a red card for hacking down Rob Lee to prevent a goal in the crucial title run in the previous season.

We all know what happened that season. 4 goals against Nottingham Forest on their ground in just 10 minutes, last minute winner against Liverpool in the FA Cup. Injury time winner to seal the European Cup against Munich. If United fans adored him before that game, oh boy do they love him after that. His banner 20LEGEND was the only banner for a player in the Stretford End, which tells you something.

He helped United won another two titles after that, again being the subsitute most of the time. It was in 2002/2003 season though, he appeared to have cemented a first team place when Ferguson was toying with a 4-3-3 formation. Stationed as a right sided forward/winger, supporting Ruud van Nistelrooy as the lone striker and Ryan Giggs on the other wing, Ole helped United won their 15th league title. Therefore it was a cruel blow for him, when he started his injury problem after that, which robbed him 3 years of football. But commendably, United stood by him, by offering him contract extension even when he can't play because of the injuries.

His last contribution for United was the fourth goal in the 4-1 rout of Blackburn. It was typical Ole, receiving a left wing cross from Louis Saha, he sidefooted the ball first time into the bottom corner. One chance, one goal. Fittingly, in this last season, United won their 16th league title.

There was much praise come his way as a player. Arsene Wenger called him 'United most efficient player'. He wasn't that far off. Solskjaer could score from just about any angle and any way. Whether it's long range shot, tap ins, headers, left foot, right foot. You name it, he can do it.

But above all, what this (and most) United fan love about him is that the way he conducted himself as a person on and off the pitch. In an age where football players were worth big money and even bigger egos, it was refreshing to see a player who's committed to the cause, but so down to earth and doesn't take anything for granted.

Thanks for the memories Ole, it's been a privilege.
20LEGEND.