Ole Stays

Ole has signed a new two-year contract with Manchester United at a time when his Old Trafford future was considered to be in doubt because of a fractured cheekbone in the wake of two serious knee injuries.

Sir Alex Ferguson, United's manager, regards the Norwegian striker so highly he wants to keep him at the club until at least 2008 and exploit the player's ambassadorial and coaching qualities.

Solskjaer's name will be forever etched in United's Hall of Fame after his dramatic stoppage-time winner against Bayern Munich turned around a remarkable 1999 European Cup final, this will also enable Ole to continue taking his coaching badges.

At 33 years of age, Ole has now been with the club for 10 years and is will be eligible for a testimonial next season. Ole said "I have always felt at home here and I want to repay the loyalty that has been shown to me by the club, the fans and Sir Alex."

"It has been a difficult and frustrating time for me but I'm determined to prove my worth over the next few years and I am sure I can contribute to the team. Although my priority is to keep playing I am looking forward to exploring the coaching opportunity being given to me by the club."

Ferguson, who followed his Solskjaer decision yesterday by choosing to release another of his injured players, Quinton Fortune, at the end of this season, was non-committal on his attacking plans for today's difficult Premiership visit to Bolton Wanderers.

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