Solskjaer proud of son’s “special” debut as Man Utd beat Kristiansund
Manchester United beat Kristiansund 1-0 on Tuesday as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s son Noah made his professional debut for the Norwegian side.
The 19-year-old came on for the final few minutes of the pre-season friendly before Juan Mata scored the winning goal from the penalty spot.
Noah Solskjaer: Five key things to know…
- Age: 19
- Position: Attacking midfielder
- Debut: Kristiansund vs Man Utd, 30 July 2019
- Prior appearances: 13 for Kristiansund’s reserve
- Famous relatives: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
It was United’s fifth consecutive pre-season victory following wins against Perth Glory, Leeds United, Inter Milan and Tottenham. They have conceded just one goal in those five games.
Noah Solskjaer entered the fray in the 84th minute, making his first senior appearance for Kristiansund as his father and younger brother Elijah watched on from the United dugout.
Before the game, Solskjaer Sr. was asked about the possibility of his son scoring.
“Well done to him but we’ll do as much as we can to stop him,” said the United boss. “Of course, it’s special for him that he’s been training with the first team for the last couple of weeks, he’s just been promoted.
“He’s had a tough couple of years with operations so he’s getting there.”
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Also speaking prior to the contest, Kristiansund manager Christian Michelsen explained to Norwegian television channel TV2 the differences between Noah and his father.
He said: “While his father was more effective the closer he came to the box, Noah is more the one who sets up the attacks.
“He has lots of skills and football understanding – Noah has gone to a good school. He and several of these youngsters have been with us for a while.
“We knew they were good football players, but what is fun is that we see that they are taking the level more and more. It’s great for them and fun for us to see them grow well.”
Next up for the Red Devils is another friendly against AC Milan on Saturday before next month’s Premier League curtain-raiser against Chelsea at Old Trafford.
