You are my Solskjaer...

COMING on as a substitute was something Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had perfected. That ability to study a game from the sidelines seeking out weaknesses in opposing defences is what made Solskjaer so special. It was a never an accident when he came on and scored, in a similar way it wasn't an accident how many goals were scored though defenders/goalkeepers legs.
Fitting maybe that in his testimonial with the score at 0-0, his introduction saw a change in Manchester United and through Frazier Campbell's goal- a 1-0 victory. In his short time on the pitch he managed two efforts on goal, one producing a fabulous save from the Espanyol 'keeper. But that's Solskjaer, always hitting the target, always working the 'keeper.
But away from the goals on the pitch his professionalism has never been questioned and never has there been reason to. When on the bench after scoring the week before, he'd sit patiently again and wait his turn. He would always make time for supporters which inevitably after the events of 1999 there would always be a special bond. When Solskjaer began to break down after his knee troubles, supporters hearts went out to him knowing how much he wanted to be on his home ground in front of his home fans. The same you wish could be said of a current United forward.
One thing I learnt from watching Solskjaer over his time at Old Trafford was his decision making. Knowing when to shoot, when to pass and perhaps the most crucial decision of all- knowing how wrong it would be to leave. His goals were rarely scrappy tap-ins but crisp finishes from either right or left foot, headers, volleys, Solskjaer could score all sorts of goals at any one moment during a game.
But what made him a favourite with supporters was the way he always put the interest of the team and the club ahead of himself. I was there when United played Newcastle in 1998 when Solskjaer was sent off sprinting 70 yards to foul an attacker who had he scored would have all but ended United's thoughts of another title. Making the long walk off the pitch following his dismissal, Solskjaer received a standing ovation but unlike many players who have applauded the crowd in similar situations, Solskjaer kept his head down. A sending off was nothing to be proud of no matter what the circumstances.
The 'baby-faced assassin' nickname only seem to be coined by newspapers, those who watched Solskjaer knew his desire and determination were worthy of more than that title. His battling qualities were evident not only in battling defenders but battling long term injuries. In his final season many may have expected his appearances to be more of a cameo, not scoring winners against Celtic in the Champions League or Aston Villa in the FA Cup (both incidentally after coming on as sub).
And so to Barcelona...
Where he wrote Manchester United into the history books with his last gasp treble winning goal. A goal I was fortunate enough to witness there in the upper tier of the Nou Camp. A goal which came from a corner he won after chasing a long cause and earning a deflection of a German defender allowing the team a chance for glory.
When I visited the Nou Camp this year the memories cam flooding back of that night on the 26 May when Solskjaer scored to win the European Cup. Looking back now over his career the 'super-sub' theme keeps re-appearing but the truth is he was more than that. He was as good from the start as he was from the bench and where perhaps other strikers came and went who were considered better, Solskjaer outstayed the likes of Dwight Yorke, Andy Cole and Ruud Van Nistelrooy. Why? Because he was that good a player. A player who could change a game in an instant or sacrifice himself for the good of the team. A reminder that loyalty to a club can be worth more than money. In his testimonial, Solskjaer thanked United supporters.
For '99 and so many other memories, I'd like to thank you Ole.