Manchester United Football Club News

• Nickname:Red Devils
• Founded:1878
• Manager:Sir Alex Ferguson

• Ground:Old Trafford
• Capacity:68,174

Solskjaer set to retire

28 Aug 2007 - 10:37:00

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

The 34-year-old Norwegian forward wrote his name into Old Trafford folklore after scoring the winner in the Champions League final against Bayern Munich during the 1999 treble-winning season.

But the former Molde frontman will reportedly hang up his boots after failing to overcome his latest bout of knee trouble that has kept him on the sidelines throughout the opening few weeks of the new season.

Solskjaer's last appearance came as an extra-time substitute during last season's FA Cup final defeat by Chelsea.

The former Norway international joined United from for £1.5million in 1996 and scored 126 goals in 366 appearances.

Last season he enjoyed his most profitable campaign for some time, netting 11 goals on his way to a sixth Premier League winners' medal.

Solskjaer, who was appointed a club ambassador last year, is expected to be handed a coaching role at Old Trafford.

Meanwhile, the retirement of the veteran frontman leaves United boss Sir Alex Ferguson with only three recognised strikers - Wayne Rooney, Carlos Tevez and Louis Saha - and could force him into the transfer market before the window closes on Friday.