Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been revealed as the new manager of Molde, severing a 14-year tie with Manchester United. Solskjaer was unveiled by the Norwegian outfit on Tuesday after deciding to quit as United's reserve team boss, leaving Sir Alex Ferguson to find a replacement.
The 37-year-old's time at Old Trafford will forever be remembered for the heart-stopping injury-time winner in the 1999 Champions League final against Bayern Munich.
Although the player's career was eventually ended by a persistent knee injury in 2007, Ferguson offered him the chance of becoming reserve team boss as part of a coaching shake-up that saw the Norwegian work alongside Warren Joyce.
However, with his three young children, Noah, Karna and Elijah all growing up, Solskjaer has now decided to branch out with his old club, leaving with Ferguson's blessing.
"Ole has had a good period with our reserve team, which has given him a foundation to start somewhere else," confirmed Ferguson.
"He feels it is time he went back to Norway, which also helps his family situation.
"He has been a fantastic servant to us and I am sure he will do well.
"He has worked with some really good young players in our reserve team and has contributed to their development.
"Once he gets experience of managing a club in its own right who knows where it will take him?
"Molde is a very progressive club in Norwegian football, so this is a good start for him."
Solskjaer will take up his new duties in January ahead of a new campaign that begins in March, with Ferguson believing the move will work to United's benefit.
"We have a good contact base in Norway now," said Ferguson.
"It is difficult to say what Ole will do long-term but he has made a conscious decision regarding his family, which worked out well with the fact that Molde were looking for a coach."
It has been suggested that Gary Neville, who has made just three appearances so far this season and has suffered a succession of muscular problems in recent years, is being lined up as a replacement.
However, Ferguson insists there are no plans in place at present. "I have no idea who takes over the reserves," he said.
"We will just leave it at the moment."
