Solskjaer expected to announce retirement

Manchester United striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is set to retire today after admitting defeat in his long-running battle with knee injuries.

The Norwegian forward, who scored the winner in the Champions League final against Bayern Munich as United won the treble in 1999, made several comebacks in the last four years but has failed to fully overcome the problem.

And according to The Sun newspaper, the 34-year-old - who has not appeared in any of United's matches so far this season - will finally admit defeat in his long-running battle with injury and call it a day.

Solskjaer's last game was the FA Cup final defeat to Chelsea on May 19 when he came on as an extra-time substitute at Wembley.

He has already spent time at United coaching young players as he looks forward to life after his playing career.

Solskjaer, dubbed the "Baby-Faced Assassin", joined United from Molde for £1.5m in 1996 and has firmly established himself as a hero at Old Trafford.

He scored 11 goals as the Red Devils reclaimed their Premier League crown last season.

The former Norway international has made 366 appearances under Alex Ferguson over the years, scoring 126 goals.

He was appointed a club ambassador last year - a role he is expected to continue and develop - and could well be given a long-term coaching position at the club he has served so loyally over the years.

The retirement of Solskjaer leaves Ferguson with only three strikers - Wayne Rooney, Louis Saha and Carlos Tevez - the latter being the only one presently fully fit.