Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Biography Facts, Childhood, Net Worth, Life

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Biography Facts, Childhood, Net Worth, Life
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with Manchester United in 2019. (photo credit: thenational.ae)

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is a professional football manager from Norway who manages the affairs of the top tier EPL club, Manchester United. The man in charge of the Red Devils may have public opinion divided as to his tactics and his performance in leading the Red Devils to its rightful place in European football, but there’s no doubt that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is tirelessly working hard. In this Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Biography Facts, Childhood, Net Worth and Personal Life, review the managerial career of the prominent United boss and his rise to the top spot of football.

Following dismal performances that have seen fans criticize players’ motivations and tactics, United is struggling to keep its head above water. After Jose Mourinho who several fans trusted would bring the club back to it’s once the prestigious and enviable performance was ousted, questions were raised as to who will step into the shoes of the renowned coach. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, a former United player, stepped into those shoes. And ever since then, he’s been putting up the hard fight to make Manchester United the great club it is.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Biography Facts, Age, Nicknames, Family, Team, Zodiac

Full Name: Ole Gunnar Solskjær
Nicknames: Super-sub, The Baby-Faced Assassin
Date of Birth: February 26, 1973
Age: 51 years
Place of Birth: Kristiansund, Norway
Nationality: Norwegian
Height: 1.78 m
Weight: 74 kg
Education: N/A
Father: Øivind Solskjær
Mother: Brita Solskjær
Siblings: N/A
Spouse: Silje Solskjær
Children: Noah Solskjær (son), Elijah Solskjær (son), Karna Solskjær (daughter)
Sports Coached: Football/Soccer (Association Football Manager)
Current Team Coached: Manchester United
Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Childhood Story and Early Life

Born in Kristiansund to his mother, Øyvind Solskjaer and father, Brita Solskjaer, his father was a Greco-Roman wrestler who won a Championship at the peak of his career. Young Solskjaer imitated his father and began learning wrestling. But soon as he grew a bit older, Solskjaer took an interest in another sport, football.

When he turned 7, Solskjaer joined a local football club in Norway, Clausenengen, before quitting wrestling. As a child, he admired the EPL club, Liverpool. After completing a compulsory service in the Norwegian Army, Solskjaer continued his career.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Professional Football Career Summary

After debuting for Clausenengen who were in the 3. divisjon, at the age of 17, Solskjaer spent 5 years with the club, leading them to win the 3. divisjon and earning promotion to the 2. divisjon. Following his 5 year stint at Clausenengen, Solskjaer moved to another Norwegian club, Molde in 1994. The club paid NOK200,000 for Solskjaer. While he was at Molde, Solskjaer led the team to the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup. He also formed a formidable striking partnership with teammates Ole Bjørn Sundgot and Arild Stavrum. The trio was dubbed “The Three S’s” because their surnames started with S.

In the 1996 season, Solskjaer was subject to interest from various clubs such as Cagliari and Hamburg. Solskjaer was however bought by Manchester United after the club bid for him at £1.5 million. Following his arrival at Old Trafford in July 1996, Solskjaer was given the number 20 jersey and became a primary member of the first team.

In his first season with United, Solskjaer led United to the Champions League semifinal and won the Premier League, he also finished as the club’s top scorer in the 1996/97 season. After being suspended for some matches in the 1997/98 season, he played incredibly well in the 1998/99 season which led United to win a continental treble, winning the Premier League, the FA Cup and the Champions League.

His stint at United continued till the 2006/07 season, where he couldn’t recover completely from a successful surgery which led to him retiring.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Profile, Teams Coached, Managerial Career, Trophies Won

Manchester United Reserves (2008–2011)

In the past contract, he signed with United as a player, there was provision included in it for him to develop his coaching abilities. In May 2008, Solskjaer was named manager of the Manchester United Reserves and he led the team to claim the 2007–08 Lancashire Senior Cup. In 2010, he led the team to claim the Manchester Senior Cup. Solskjaer was invited to coach the Norwegian football team after his resignation of as manager, but he declined the offer.

Molde (2011–2014)

After signing a four-year contract to serve as Norwegian club Molde as a manager in November 2010, he took over the team’s managerial duties in January 2011. In his first season as manager of the club, Solskjaer led the club to claim the 2011 Tippeligaen. He was involved in talks to take over the managerial duties of Aston Villa but declined the offer. The next Tippeligaen in 2012, he led Molde to claim the title. Solskjaer also led Molde to victory in the Norwegian Football Cup in 2013.

Cardiff City (2014)

After taking over as manager of Cardiff in January 2014, Solskjaer had an awful season with Cardiff finishing 20th in the league and earned relegation. Solskjaer departed as manager of the side in September 2014.

Molde (2015–2019)

In October 2015, Solskjaer signed a three and half year contract with Molde. He led Molde to the Europa League where they finished top of their group but were eliminated in the round of 32. He also led Molde to finish 6th in the Tippeligaen. After a good start in the 2016 Tippeligaen, Solskjaer led Molde to finish 5th in the league.

In the 2017 Eliteserien, Solskjaer led Molde to second place after a series of wins. He also emerged finalist in the Norwegian Football Cup. Despite an incredible performance in the 2918 Eliteserien, Molde finished in second place. In December 2018, Solskjaer signed a contract extension which will see him stay at Molde till 2021.

Manchester United (2018–date)

In December 2018, following the departure of José Mourinho, Solskjaer was appointed a caretaker manager for United, while his assistant coach served as caretaker manager for Molde. After a series of good performances, Solskjaer was named Premier League Manager of the Month for January 2019. In March 2019, he signed a three-year contract to serve as manager of United permanently.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Net Worth, Endorsements, Sponsorships

At the moment, Solskjaer’s wealth is reportedly estimated at £10 million, earning a salary of £7.5 million (about £144,000 weekly) per annum at Manchester United as manager. His endorsement and sponsorship deals are currently unknown.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Personal Life, Trivia

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with his wife Silje Solskjær
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with his wife Silje Solskjær in 2019. (Photo credit: PA)

Solskjaer is married to Silje Solskjaer. The couple has three kids. Noah Solskjaer the eldest child, is a midfielder who plays for Norwegian club, Kristiansund BK.

In October 2008, Solskjaer became the youngest individual to receive the Royal Norwegian Order of St. Olav’s First Knighthood.

In 2009, he was awarded the Peer Gynt Prize by the Norwegian parliament.

Leave a Reply