Solskjaer spot-on

Ian Ladyman|Daily Mail13 April 2012
Valerenga 1 Man Utd 2

Manchester United have had their money's worth since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was signed from Molde for just over £1million six years ago.

He has scored almost 100 competitive goals, yet it is only now that he is seen as a priceless necessity rather than a luxury.

Solskjaer, who appropriately opened the scoring through a disputed penalty in Oslo's Ullevaal Stadium last night, had to lead the front line in the absence of the injured Ruud van Nistelrooy.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson can only call on former supersub Solskjaer, his flying Dutchman and the raw Diego Forlan to fill in the central striking role after selling Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke.

Ferguson has West Ham United's Paolo Di Canio and Lazio's Hernan Crespo under scrutiny but until he completes a deal, the United boss will continue to rely on the Norway striker for the consistent productivity that has been his watchword since joining the club in 1996.

Last season United scored 20 League goals more than Premiership runners- up Liverpool - most of which came from Solskjaer and Van Nistelrooy.

The Holland star, suffering from a minor shin injury, was an observer last night but if he is hit by a long-term injury, then Solskjaer's input will be of primary importance.

His goal came during a period of domination in the 26th minute as Valarengen defender Tom Henning Hovi was adjudged to have tugged his shirt. The penalty was dispatched low to the goalkeeper's right with ease.

England's World Cup missing quintet of David Beckham, Rio Ferdinand, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and Wes Brown gave the likes of Forlan, Phil Neville, John O'Shea and Danny Pugh an opportunity to impress the boss.

The lively Forlan took his chance and he capped a good display with a delicate cross that allowed Roy Keane to poke in the winner with five minutes remaining after Pa-Modou Kah had equalised with a powerful drive in the 75th minute.

Juan Sebastian Veron's influence on the game was also eye- catching and his passing was intelligent, courageous and measured.

Ferguson, who was impressed by the reception from Norwegian fans and by the standard of opposition, said: 'Forlan was the man of the match and he gives us options in the middle and on the right. He is settling in, he's just 22 and he's going to be a good acquisition.'

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