Solskjaer set for testimonial

Manchester United are set to grant Ole Gunnar Solskjaer a testimonial.

The popular Norwegian, whose injury-time European Cup winner against Bayern Munich in 1999 assured him of iconic status at Old Trafford, was forced to admit defeat in his battle to overcome a long-standing knee problem in August.

His retirement ended a 11-year playing association with the Red Devils, who he joined from Molde for a bargain £650,000 in 1996.

Alex Ferguson has already appointed Solskjaer to his coaching team and although his present brief is to develop United’s young strikers, he has also spent time with the senior squad this season.

It is also anticipated the 34-year-old, who is settled in the UK with his young family, will become an ambassador for United.

Solskjaer is in the process of appointing a committee to arrange a testimonial and the club have confirmed he will get a chance to honour the United supporters for their backing throughout his outstanding career, which saw him net 126 goals in 366 appearances.

Although a precise date is yet to be set, it will form part of next summer’s pre-season campaign in August, after Ferguson’s squad have returned from their three-match tour of South Africa.

The opposition is also still to be confirmed, although contact is bound to be made with Bayern Munich to see if they would be interested in a re-match of the 1999 spectacular.