Busby influence lingers for Solskjaer

Manchester United would not be the force they are in the game today were it not for the role of the late Matt Busby, former striker and current reserve coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer acknowledged Saturday.

United will continue commemorating the centenary of the legendary manager’s birth on Sunday when Solskjaer takes a team up to Motherwell for a meeting at Fir Park.

Busby’s spirit was forged from the tough environment of his Lanarkshire origins and Solsjkaer is aware that the man who led United to their first European Cup in 1968 after surviving the Munich Air Crash of a decade earlier has left an indelible mark.

“When I first came to the club I got to know all about its history and, through that, Sir Matt,” said Solskjaer.

“I know exactly what he means to Manchester United.

“I have spoken to his son, Sandy, on a number of occasions, which helps to learn more about the man who built the club.

“Manchester United owes a lot to him.

“It was Sir Matt who had the drive and vision to take the club into Europe when no-one else would.”

Solskjaer, of course, made his own imprint on the European stage in netting the last-gasp winner in the 1999 Champions League final which saw United come from behind to beat Bayern Munich.

Not only that, but the final was the day of what would have been Busby’s 90th birthday.

“Of course, I will never forget May 26, 1999,” said the Norwegian.

“To score the winning goal in the European Cup final on what would have been Matt’s 90th birthday was extraordinary.

“It just brought me even closer to the club and, of course, to Sandy.”

Now it falls to Solskjaer to bring through emerging talent and he will send out a young team against Motherwell, as he looks to build on the legacy of youth which Busby began with his Busby Babes half a century ago.

“Sir Matt always believed in giving youth a chance. That was his big legacy and one that Sir Alex (Ferguson) followed.

“I am so honoured to now be playing a part in that myself.

“Young players at Manchester United know if they are good enough they will get a chance.

Proceeds from the game will go towards the Sir Matt Busby Scholarship, a programme to provide people in the Lanarkshire community with free coaching education.