Ole suffers setback

May 30, 2007

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

OLE Gunnar Solskjaer's hopes for a summer send-off to set him up for an injury-free campaign at United next term have suffered a setback.

The Reds' striker will miss Norway's Euro 2008 qualifier against Malta on Saturday and is also doubtful for his country's game with Hungary next week.

Solskjaer believes he'll be stronger for a season under his belt, following his comeback from a three-year knee injury battle. After three starts in United's final six matches, he was targeting Norway's fixtures as games to keep him up to speed before the pre-season challenge at Old Trafford.

But the 34-year-old, who missed Norway's last two qualifiers due to injury, has aggravated a knee problem.

"Ole Gunnar will train separately before next Saturday and will then join the rest of the squad to be with the boys," said Norway boss and ex-City defender Age Hareide.

Norway's physio, Thor Einar Andersen, added: "Solskjaer has felt some pain in his knee.

"It's not possible for him to train with a football at the moment.

"He is a smart fox, and he has proved before that he can return from injuries.

"The problem has been caused by too much training, and is not a new injury."

How many goals do you think Solskjaer will get next season for United? Have your say.

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Davey Boy, Kuwait (30/05/2007 at 12:02)

The baby faced assassin aaaaah those were the days, loved this guy great technique and will forever be remembered but sadly to say his legs have gone and in no way should he be starting games, I know he didn't rely on pace but he really should retire now I am sure there is a job 'upstairs' waiting for him!

edinburgh red, edinburgh (30/05/2007 at 12:07)

Back to supersub if we keep him on the playing staff next season, a role in coaching and young rossi taking his place might be in order, the legend's leg's seem to have failed him when he started recently.

george (30/05/2007 at 12:19)

The signs are ominous!

Birdy, Ireland (30/05/2007 at 12:27)

I cant quite get the hang of thinking of Ole as a veteran! Thats the reality though i think. I dont think we should count Ole at all when considering our squad for next season. I'm not saying ditch him, I just mean that, having missed 3 yrs with a knee injury, combined with his age and him struggling when starting matches, i think that we should work on the premise he's finished, and then if he can contribute anything, like he did this season, then its a great bonus.

Mick, Dublin (30/05/2007 at 12:36)

Spot on, Birdy. I think Ole still has a lot to offer next season and you can guarantee he'll score some more goals for United. But he should no longer be considered as one of our main four strikers.

Sterling, Salford (30/05/2007 at 12:48)

OGS will always be remembered as a Legend but I'm afraid we have to look to the future. He can stay in the squad and start to help with coaching - after all there's no better player in our squad who understands the principles of being a great striker - but he should not be considered as one of our 4 strikers for next season. Rossi has to have his chance to shine next year, the other question is will we sign another striker and if so where will we fit a total of 5 - i.e. Saha, Rooney, Smith, Rossi and one other? Will we keep them all, will we loan out one, will we sell one....Oh the questions.....Any further word on Hargreaves? And as many keep suggesting, our other priority should be a winger to be long term replacement for Giggs.

Red Max (30/05/2007 at 12:51)

Birdy, I agree totally. Too many physical complications now ranged against him, and at 34 with limited fitness I fear it's time for goodbye.

I hope he stays in a super-sub capacity, but I think one more injury and he'll have to call it a day.

Joe, Malta (30/05/2007 at 13:23)

Maybe Ole was afraid of the Norway's next opponents!!! :)
Seriously, I think Ole still can play part in a supersub role. He cannot run anymore of course but in front of goal you wont find much better poachers.

GEORGE LYONS (30/05/2007 at 13:33)

Time to let go son - thanks for the memories and guts

chris, oxford (30/05/2007 at 13:38)

Kind of puts the myth of our young squad into context when you have one story about Giggs international retirement and another about the "senior" Ole.

Ole is a legend but I totally agree that he should not be considered as part of our strike force next season, I'm sure that he can do a job when called upon from the bench but it was quite sad watching him at times last season because he really does appear to be a shadow of his former self.

There is no room for sentimentality in football and I think Fergie has some tough decisions to make this summer over the likes of Ole and Saha because neither of them can be relied upon to any great extent.

Time moves on, so must we.

Demo, Glossop (30/05/2007 at 13:51)

like others said he shouldnt be counted as starting striker and should be viewed simply as a bonus sub!

which leaves rooney, the injury prone saha, the returning from injury smith and the unproven rossi. it appears we need a striker of course we could have

rooney on fire, saha staying fit, smithy returning to full fitness and scoring and rossi being a hit!

its a difficult decision but a crazy person who doesnt sign a striker on the hope of the second scenario!

redarmy, rochdale (30/05/2007 at 14:46)

Ole my old son its time to step down,the pase the whole lot has gone.
Just retire fella and go into coaching,if you want 1 more season make it your last and move into coaching.

george (30/05/2007 at 15:18)

Redarmy;I share your sentiment here.If I was a boxing corner man I'd throw the towel in for him.
It's very sad but it doesn't sound as if he can take the training to get fit enough for the top flight.I'd rather he dropped into coaching.There's no sense ending up a cripple and the whole UNITED support will feel sad but I think it's the end.
Rossi has played consistently in serie A.He deserves to come in now and Solksjaer I'm sure is highly employable.

redarmy, rochdale (30/05/2007 at 16:20)

i agree george rossi isnt that tall but look at zola small a striker but lighening pace ans speed,free kicks superb too,an all in all hitman.
Give rossi the chance.

red john (30/05/2007 at 18:09)

Time to move upstairs ole; into a coaching role methinks was starting to show signs of the wear and tear at the end of the season and it would be fitting to quit at the top!

Alias Smith, over the moon (30/05/2007 at 19:43)

Come on chris, you've got to admit that the bones of a great young side are in place with the likes of Foster, Rio, Vidic, Evra, Brown, Evans, Carrick, Fletcher, Ronaldo, Rooney and Rossi soon to be joined (hopefully) by the likes of Hargreaves and Nani.

It makes sense to keep a few old heads about the place to help bring the young lads on. Especially the likes of Scholes who has at least 2, hopefully 4, great seasons left in him. With the proper rest, Giggs can make a big contribution next season.

I understand Ole is on a pay as you play contract so there's no reason why he shouldn't be allowed to carry on for one more season.

Chris, Dublin, Dublin, Ireland (30/05/2007 at 20:14)

its gona be hard to see ole hang those boots up, such a great player, but his time has come, i just hope he goes out with the name he will always have, giv him a chnace to shine in his last season, united owe him dat much

Gerry, Glastonbury (31/05/2007 at 10:01)

Ole's contribution this season was very good at 11 goals and a just reward for those battles against injury.
I think next season will be his last as he no longer looks the part as a starter in the side. I'm sure there's a goal or two yet to come and let's hope he starts next season fresh and free of injury, however, Rossi & Eagles need encouragement if their careers are to flourish OT, so, I see Ole's opportunities diminishing.

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