Solskjaer set to start against Cup minnows
The long-serving Manchester United striker is set to play against the non-leaguers and make his first senior start since May 2004.
Solskjaer has had two knee operations during the intervening period and still has only a couple of reserve team appearances and a 10-minute Barclays Premiership run-out at Birmingham under his belt.
But Alex Ferguson is prepared to let the Norwegian loose on Nigel Clough's side at the Pirelli Stadium.
"This is a reward for the perseverance and determination Ole has shown to come back from his injuries," said Ferguson.
"He has not missed a training session since he returned and that must be really encouraging for him.
"His performances on the training ground have been good and he did well at Birmingham even though it was only 10 minutes.
"Everyone at Manchester United hopes he is back for good now and I am sure Sunday will provide him with another big lift."
Solskjaer's last FA Cup goal came in the fourth round rout of West Ham three seasons ago.
At this stage last season, United were held to an embarrassing 0-0 draw at Old Trafford by non-league Exeter.
Ferguson was less than happy at the time, although he is now able to reflect with a greater degree of calm at an afternoon which encapsulated everything the FA Cup has stood for over the years.
"In a way I was delighted for Exeter," he said.
"They got 67,000 at Old Trafford, brought a fantastic support with them and made a lot of money.
"They also got a replay out of it which made them even more, probably enough to keep them afloat for years."
"Looking back, maybe we played too many young lads who had not played for three weeks because the reserve league shuts down just before Christmas.
"But it is a reminder of what cup football is about really. You just cannot take things for granted."
Only three members of the side which started against Exeter are expected to be involved on Sunday Tim Howard, Wes Brown and Kieran Richardson.
Apart from Solskjaer, Louis Saha, Park Ji-sung and Cristiano Ronaldo will play, with Mikael Silvestre who appears to have most to lose following the £12million (17.5m) joint arrival of Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra set to start in central defence.
Although United are virtually certain to advance, it promises to be an uncomfortable afternoon for the Old Trafford aristocrats, not least because Burton's pitch was covered in sand 24 hours ago to ensure an expected frost does not put the high profile tie in jeopardy.
Not that Ferguson is too worried.
"They were worried about the pitch when we took a young team down there to open the stadium six or seven weeks ago," he said.
"I have read the stories about them putting sand on it but I think they are just trying to protect the pitch.
"They are very keen to get the game on despite the frost and that is why they have done it."
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