Ferguson praises Solskjaer´s United legacy

Sir Alex Ferguson hailed Manchester United’s Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as a model of professionalism ahead of the Norwegian’s testimonial against Espanyol at Old Trafford on Saturday.

“Ole is an inspiration to anyone hoping for a long career in football. He has dedicated himself to his profession,” Ferguson said of Solskjaer’s 12-year stint at United.

“In the modern-day game, anyone who manages 10 years or more at one club is exceptional, particularly when that one club is not from the player’s own country.”

He added: “When a young kid walks in here, eventually I want them to go home to their mother and father and be the same person. It is not easy in modern day life.

“Success can change people, so can money and this is in an industry which is very vulnerable.

Ferguson’s comments come as United are struggling to keep hold of prize asset Cristiano Ronaldo, who has been repeatedly linked with a move to Real Madrid, even though his contract runs until 2012.

Solskjaer and Ronaldo both share the honour of scoring in a Champions League final, the Norwegian netting a last-gasp winner over Bayern Munich in Barcelona in 1999.

“When the fans show their respect for Ole tomorrow, it will not just be for his goal in Barcelona,” Ferguson said. “It will be for his overall contribution over a very long period of time.”

Nicknamed the “baby-faced assassin”, Solskjaer arrived from Norwegian club Molde a virtual unknown in 1996 for 1.5 million pounds, going on to score 127 goals in 366 first-team appearances.

He famously netted four goals in 12 minutes as a substitute at Nottingham Forest in United’s record 8-1 away win.

The knee injury which forced Solskjaer to quit the game a year ago means he will only play 20 minutes of Saturday’s game but he will still receive a hero’s welcome.

After his farewell gala Solskjaer is to take up a post as reserve-team coach where he will be charged with feeding United’s title-winning side with fresh talent.