Despite a patchwork tenure at Old Trafford, which included 149 appearances across all competitions from March 2019 to November 2021, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s legendary stature at Manchester United will endure.
A true talisman, especially when the “Baby Faced Assassin” came on as a substitute. His 126 goals are undoubtedly noteworthy, but there was one particular instance that won over the supporters more than others.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s legendary status at Manchester United will continue despite his patchwork time at Old Trafford, which includes 149 games across all competitions from March 2019 to November 2021.
A real lucky charm, particularly when the “Baby Faced Assassin” replaced him. His 126 goals are certainly impressive, but one in particular stood out to the fans more than the others.
Solskjaer’s Cynical, Yet Memorable, Challenge Relived
The super-sub, as a result, received Ferguson’s hairdryer treatement
Imagine that Manchester United was struggling to stay within striking distance of Arsenal, who were heavy favourites following Marc Overmars’ victory at Old Trafford, at the end of the 1997–1998 Premier League season.
Even though the north Londoners were one point ahead of the Red Devils, they still had two games left, and if the latter fell to Newcastle, led by Kenny Dalglish, Arsenal would lose.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s team was caught on a dangerous break after their corner routine amounted to very nothing, but not under Solskjaer’s watch, with the score tied at one and both teams vying for a crucial victory.
Lee was released by Temuri Ketsbaia. The Newcastle player may not have realised it, but he had Solskjaer right behind him as he bore in on goal with only Raimond van der Gouw to beat. And he was cynically fouled before he realised it.
The six-time Premier League champion brought Lee down on the brink of the 18-yard box after running nearly the whole length of the pitch. Consequently, the people in the Theatre of Dreams’ home section gave a standing ovation.
David Beckham, Solskjaer’s colleague and widely regarded as one of the greatest free-kick takers in Premier League history, even patted him on the head to express gratitude for what was deemed to be a masterstroke. Solskjaer responded, “I had to do it,” as can be seen below.
The Old Trafford audience was not surprised when veteran referee Uriah Rennie dug into his back pocket to give Solksjaer, who is considered to be among the greatest super-subs in football history, a straight red card. However, his actions helped his team earn a draw.
The former super-sub turned manager, in an interview with Jake Humphrey on the High Performance Podcast, described the infamous Ferguson-led hairdryer treatment he endured as a result.
In all fairness, I’ve had one dismissal and was severely reprimanded by the manager [Sir Alex Ferguson], who completely destroyed me in the locker room and fined me two weeks’ salary against Newcastle. I took away from that experience that we don’t want to win at Manchester United in that manner.
Is Solskjaer sorry for his choice?
I wouldn’t ask any of my players to do it, of course.
Does the Norwegian, who is currently enjoying life in Turkey and managing Besiktas beyond the white line, regret his choice to cut down Lee in the last moments of their Premier League matchup in light of Ferguson’s post-match reaction?
Former Norway international Solskjaer, who has 67 caps and 23 goals, said that his foul went against Ferguson’s Manchester United’s style of play during their illustrious, trophy-winning era, but he did value the response from the supporters.
Statistics on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Career
Club/Nation
Games
Objectives
Helps
Red/Yellow Cards
United Manchester
366
126
57
20/1
Norway
67
23
2.
9/0
FK Molde
46
34
0
6/0
“Oof. Given the hairdryer I received after the game and the justification he gave me, I wouldn’t ask any of my players to do that. That’s not how you want to win with Manchester United. That’s not how we operate. However, the fans adored it!
However, Solskjaer added, “I think I wouldn’t want to change anything in my career because I don’t think I’d be sitting here now then, so I’d probably do it again.” Every small choice you make has an impact on the following one. However, I would follow suit.
The former line-leader claimed that his teammates were on his mind as he lunged into Lee as Manchester United lost the championship by a single point, and he insisted that the team’s lone red card in 366 games was given for the “right reasons.”
“I just thought about my teammates and the team, which is why I did it for the right reasons. We needed to rally and win the game with two minutes remaining before full time that season after losing the league by one point.
