The Norwegian will make an emotional farewell on Saturday when he takes part in his testimonial against Espanyol.
His place in United's history is assured thanks to his winning goal in the 1999 Champions League final against Bayern Munich.
The club's current crop emulated that feat by lifting the European Cup again last season with victory over Chelsea in Moscow, but Solskjaer now wants them to follow in the footsteps of Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Gary Neville by winning trophy after trophy at the club.
The likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney have been rightly lauded for their part in United's back-to-back titles and Champions League victory over the past two seasons.
Ronaldo is a two-time double footballer of the year and is widely expected to be named the world's greatest player by being handed the Ballon D'Or and FIFA player of the year gongs.
But Solskjaer insists both must look to United's stalwarts to know what it really is to be a legend at Old Trafford.
He won just about every honour going alongside Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Gary Neville and is not surprised to see them still at the heart of the United team, even though they are now in their 30s.
And he believes they are a perfect example to Sir Alex Ferguson's young champions, who are just beginning to taste success for the first time.
"Everyone can improve," he said. "These young players like Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani just have to look at players like Ryan.
"He's learnt and he's still learning. He wants to improve.
"You have Paul Scholes and Gary Neville, too. They are the hardest working players in training because they want to improve.
"They know they haven't got 10 years left of their career so they want to make the most of it.
"For Paul Scholes it doesn't matter to him if it's the Champions League final or a training match, he's just desperate to play.
"These are role models that young players, no matter how good they are - even the top players in the world - can look up to.
"Ryan Giggs has got 10 titles. That's the challenge for them.''
Glittering
After such a glittering playing career was eventually cut short last season by injury, Solskjaer has now taken his first steps on the road to management.
Ferguson has always considered the affable Norwegian to be one of the most intelligent players he's worked with at United and was quick to offer him a coaching role at the club when it was clear his playing days were over.
Now the 35-year-old is in charge of United's reserves and is better qualified than most to compare the relative qualities of the side he played in and Ferguson's current collection.
He believes the pace of the reigning champions is what sets them apart from the 99 treble-winners.
"They are similar in the fact that you have big squads with a lot of quality that you can call on. They both had youth, goalscorers, great back four, good goalkeepers. They are very similar, but this is a little bit quicker.
"We have a great forward line now. We've got goal-scorers, players who can link. We've got pace and Cristiano scores 40 goals and he's not even a striker."
And despite being one quarter of one of United's greatest ever pool of forwards, alongside Andy Cole, Dwight Yorke and Teddy Sheringham, Solskjaer believes the new "Holy Trinity" of Rooney, Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez has the edge.
"I would like to think this is better than what we had in 1999," said Solskjaer.
"We've got different types now. Back then we had Teddy Sheringham who was the link player. Now Carlos Tevez is a different type of link player.
"Wayne and Cristiano are different as well. But as a team we attack really well, it is not all about the forwards."
United fans are sure to show their appreciation to Solskjaer on Saturday for his contribution to so much of United's success in his 11 years at the club from 1996-2007.
But he knows it is his last-gasp goal in Barcelona's Nou Camp that truly assured his legendary status.
"It changed my life in a way that all Manchester people remind me of it, which is nice.
"In 30 years time people will remember me as a United player.
"That is not the worst thing you can be remembered for. It could have been as the guy who missed that great chance in the final." Tweet
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Ole
You are a United great !!
well done mate !
Ole's greatest achievements may be yet to come.At 35 he's only a young man.
'Who put the ball in the germans net?'..Ole a true professional and a UNITED Legend ! OLE, OLE, OLE.. Modern day footballers should take note, this guy knew how to conduct himself on/off the pitch..Ole for the OT hot seat in the future!
The young players at United should take a good look at Solskjaer, he has been a model professional since he joined United, a top class striker, and someone who never complained when not in the starting line-up, and always made an impact when he came on. He also kept his feet firmly on the ground, no matter how successful he or the team were. It's no wonder Sir Alex regards him so highly and now as Reserve team coach he is also starting to make his mark, don't be surprised if he's a future United manager, he certainly has the intelligence and will be gaining in experience over the next few years, watch this space! So Ronaldo and co stop acting like spoilt premadonna's and take a leaf out of Solskjaer's book.
Ole,
"In 30 years time people will remember me as a United player.
"That is not the worst thing you can be remembered for. It could have been as the guy who missed that great chance in the final."
Are you having a slight dig at Anelka and Terry ?????
Ole is a legend. He is correct the young players still have a lot to prove to become United legends. Its not all about what they do on the pitch either, its about their attitude off the pitch as well.
Ole, we will give you a great send off on Saturday.
You are a true Gent, and us Mancs just love you for all your years of loyal service.
Certain people should look at your record and take note !!
Who put the ball in the Germans net
Who put the ball in the
Germans net
Who put the ball in the
Germans net
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
Thanks a million Ole
I think he will have a great future for us!
Hahah Love the last quote Ole!!! You mean like John Terry!!!! lol :)