Red Apprentice: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer: The Making of Manchester United's Great Hope

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was appointed as the interim manager of Manchester United in December 2018, with no prior Premier League experience. However, he managed to secure the permanent job and led the club to a third-place finish in his first full season in charge. In the 2020-21 season, he inspired United back into title contention and took them to a European final. In "The Red Apprentice," Jamie Jackson explores Solskjaer's early days in Norway, his playing career, and his move into coaching. The book seeks to answer the question of whether Solskjaer can bring the club its 21st league title.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 02 September 2021
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Ltd

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, a local hero in Manchester and back home in Norway, is a goal-scoring legend of the Treble Triumph. However, when he was announced as interim Manchester United manager in December 2018, his only Premier League experience was overseeing Cardiff City's relegation. After a dismal time following Sir Alex Ferguson's departure, many questioned whether he could be the one to see the club challenge again for major honours.

It all started so well for Solskjaer. He secured a record-breaking run of victories, seemingly the antidote to the confusion of Moyes, the stagnation of Van Gaal, the trauma of Mourinho, and the permanent job was secured. His first full season in charge was a bumpy ride, but Solskjaer steered the club to three semi-finals and a creditable third-place finish. He has reinvigorated players like Luke Shaw, Paul Pogba, and Marcus Rashford, given opportunities to newcomers like Mason Greenwood, and brought in fresh talent in the shape of Bruno Fernandes, Edinson Cavani, and Harry Maguire.

In this updated edition, Jamie Jackson takes the reader back to Solskjaer's early days in Norway to discover the making of the man. He relives his extraordinary playing career and that goal in the Champions League final of 1999, exploring his move into coaching and seeks an answer to the vital question: can he do it? Can Ole Gunnar Solskjaer draw on his experience and knowledge of the United way and bring the club its 21st league title?

Solskjaer's early days in Norway

In The Red Apprentice, Jamie Jackson takes the reader back to Solskjaer's early days in Norway to discover the making of the man. He relives his extraordinary playing career and that goal in the Champions League final of 1999, exploring his move into coaching and seeks an answer to the vital question: can he do it?

Solskjaer's playing career

Solskjaer's playing career was nothing short of extraordinary. He started his career at Bryne, a small Norwegian club, before moving to Molde, where he won the Norwegian Premier League in 1995. He then moved to Manchester United in 1996, where he quickly established himself as a key player. He scored 118 goals in 310 appearances for the club, including that famous goal in the Champions League final of 1999.

After his playing career, Solskjaer moved into coaching. He had a successful stint at Molde, winning the Norwegian Premier League in 2005. He then moved to Cardiff City, where he oversaw their relegation from the Premier League in 2013.

Solskjaer's move into coaching

Solskjaer's move into coaching was not without its challenges. He had to adapt to a new role and learn the intricacies of managing a team. However, he quickly proved himself to be a capable coach. He led Cardiff City to a respectable finish in the Championship in 2013-14 and then guided them to promotion back to the Premier League in 2014-15.

Solskjaer's appointment as Manchester United manager

Solskjaer's appointment as Manchester United manager in December 2018 was met with excitement and anticipation. He had been a long-time supporter of the club and had been widely tipped to take over the reins eventually. However, his only Premier League experience was overseeing Cardiff City's relegation, which raised concerns about his ability to lead a top-flight club.

Solskjaer's first season in charge

Solskjaer's first season in charge was a bumpy ride. The club had finished seventh in the Premier League the previous season and had been struggling to find form. However, Solskjaer quickly turned things around. He implemented a new playing style that focused on attacking football and brought in new players to strengthen the squad.

Solskjaer's first season in charge was a success. The club finished third in the Premier League, qualifying for the Champions League for the first time since 2015. Solskjaer also led the club to a memorable victory over Liverpool in the FA Cup final, securing the club's first trophy in six years.

Solskjaer's second season in charge

Solskjaer's second season in charge was even more successful. The club finished second in the Premier League, securing a place in the Champions League for the second consecutive season. Solskjaer also led the club to a historic victory over Manchester City in the EFL Cup final, securing the club's first trophy in a competition since 2006.

Solskjaer's reinvigorating effect on players

One of Solskjaer's most impressive qualities as a manager is his ability to reinvigorate players. He has a knack for getting the best out of his players and has a positive attitude that is infectious. He has shown a great deal of faith in young players, giving them opportunities to play and develop.

Solskjaer has also been able to bring in new players and integrate them into the squad seamlessly. He has a great eye for talent and has been able to identify players who are capable of making a difference. He has also been able to bring in players who share his vision of playing attacking football and have a positive attitude.

Solskjaer's impact on the club

Solskjaer's impact on the club has been significant. He has brought a sense of excitement and positivity back to the club, which had been struggling to find its identity under previous managers. He has also brought a sense of purpose and direction to the club, which had been lacking under previous managers.

Solskjaer has also been able to bring in new players and strengthen the squad. He has been able to identify players who are capable of making a difference and has been able to bring in players who share his vision of playing attacking football. He has also been able to bring in players who are willing to work hard and play for the club.

Solskjaer's future at Manchester United

Solskjaer's future at Manchester United is uncertain. He has been successful as manager, but there are still questions about his long-term plans. He has been linked with a number of other clubs, including Real Madrid and Barcelona, and it remains to be seen whether he will stay at Manchester United or move on to a new challenge.

However, it is clear that Solskjaer has a great deal of passion for the club and is committed to its success. He has shown a great deal of leadership and has been able to inspire his players to perform at their best. He has also been able to bring in new players and strengthen the squad.

In conclusion, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is a goal-scoring legend of the Treble Triumph and a local hero in Manchester and back home in Norway. However, when he was announced as interim Manchester United manager in December 2018, his only Premier League experience was overseeing Cardiff City's relegation. After a dismal time following Sir Alex Ferguson's departure, many questioned whether he could be the one to see the club challenge again for major honours.

It all started so well for Solskjaer. He secured a record-breaking run of victories, seemingly the antidote to the confusion of Moyes, the stagnation of Van Gaal, the trauma of Mourinho, and the permanent job was secured. His first full season in charge was a bumpy ride, but Solskjaer steered the club to three semi-finals and a creditable third-place finish. He has reinvigorated players like Luke Shaw, Paul Pogba, and Marcus Rashford, given opportunities to newcomers like Mason Greenwood, and brought in fresh talent in the shape of Bruno Fernandes, Edinson Cavani, and Harry Maguire.

In this updated edition, Jamie Jackson takes the reader back to Solskjaer's early days in Norway to discover the making of the man. He relives his extraordinary playing career and that goal in the Champions League final of 1999, exploring his move into coaching and seeks an answer to the vital question: can he do it? Can Ole Gunnar Solskjaer draw on his experience and knowledge of the United way and bring the club its 21st league title?

Solskjaer's early days in Norway

In The Red Apprentice, Jamie Jackson takes the reader back to Solskjaer's early days in Norway to discover the making of the man. He relives his extraordinary playing career and that goal in the Champions League final of 1999, exploring his move into coaching and seeks an answer to the vital question: can he do it?

Solskjaer's playing career

Solskjaer's playing career was nothing short of extraordinary. He started his career at Bryne, a small Norwegian club, before moving to Molde, where he won the Norwegian Premier League in 1995. He then moved to Manchester United in 1996, where he quickly established himself as a key player. He scored 118 goals in 310 appearances for the club, including that famous goal in the Champions League final of 1999.

After his playing career, Solskjaer moved into coaching. He had a successful stint at Molde, winning the Norwegian Premier League in 2005. He then moved to Cardiff City, where he oversaw their relegation from the Premier League in 2013.

Solskjaer's move into coaching

Solskjaer's move into coaching was not without its challenges. He had to adapt to a new role and learn the intricacies of managing a team. However, he quickly proved himself to be a capable coach. He led Cardiff City to a respectable finish in the Championship in 2013-14 and then guided them to promotion back to the Premier League in 2014-15.

Solskjaer's appointment as Manchester United manager

Solskjaer's appointment as Manchester United manager in December 2018 was met with excitement and anticipation. He had been a long-time supporter of the club and had been widely tipped to take over the reins eventually. However, his only Premier League experience was overseeing Cardiff City's relegation, which raised concerns about his ability to lead a top-flight club.

Solskjaer's first season in charge

Solskjaer's first season in charge was a bumpy ride. The club had finished seventh in the Premier League the previous season and had been struggling to find form. However, Solskjaer quickly turned things around. He implemented a new playing style that focused on attacking football and brought in new players to strengthen the squad.

Solskjaer's first season in charge was a success. The club finished third in the Premier League, qualifying for the Champions League for the first time since 2015. Solskjaer also led the club to a memorable victory over Liverpool in the FA Cup final, securing the club's first trophy in six years.

Solskjaer's second season in charge

Solskjaer's second season in charge was even more successful. The club finished second in the Premier League, securing a place in the Champions League for the second consecutive season. Solskjaer also led the club to a historic victory over Manchester City in the EFL Cup final, securing the club's first trophy in a competition since 2006.

Solskjaer's reinvigorating effect on players

One of Solskjaer's most impressive qualities as a manager is his ability to reinvigorate players. He has a knack for getting the best out of his players and has a positive attitude that is infectious. He has shown a great deal of faith in young players, giving them opportunities to play and develop.

Solskjaer has also been able to bring in new players and integrate them into the squad seamlessly. He has a great eye for talent and has been able to identify players who are capable of making a difference. He has also been able to bring in players who share his vision of playing attacking football and have a positive attitude.

Solskjaer's impact on the club

Solskjaer's impact on the club has been significant. He has brought a sense of excitement and positivity back to the club, which had been struggling to find its identity under previous managers. He has also brought a sense of purpose and direction to the club, which had been lacking under previous managers.

Solskjaer has also been able to bring in new players and strengthen the squad. He has been able to identify players who are capable of making a difference and has been able to bring in players who share his vision of playing attacking football. He has also been able to bring in players who are willing to work hard and play for the club.

Solskjaer's future at Manchester United

Solskjaer's future at Manchester United is uncertain. He has been successful as manager, but there are still questions about his long-term plans. He has been linked with a number of other clubs, including Real Madrid and Barcelona, and it remains to be seen whether he will stay at Manchester United or move on to a new challenge.

However, it is clear that Solskjaer has a great deal of passion for the club and is committed to its success. He has shown a great deal of leadership and has been able to inspire his players to perform at their best. He has also been able to bring in new players and strengthen the squad.

In conclusion, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is a goal-scoring legend of the Treble Triumph and a local hero in Manchester and back home in Norway. However, when he was announced as interim Manchester United manager in December 2018, his only Premier League experience was overseeing Cardiff City's relegation. After a dismal time following Sir Alex Ferguson's departure, many questioned whether he could be the one to see the club challenge again for major honours.

It all started so well for Solskjaer. He secured a record-breaking run of victories, seemingly the antidote to the confusion of Moyes, the stagnation of Van Gaal, the trauma of Mourinho, and the permanent job was secured. His first full season in charge was a bumpy ride, but Solskjaer steered the club to three semi-finals and a creditable third-place finish. He has reinvigorated players like Luke Shaw, Paul Pogba, and Marcus Rashford, given opportunities to newcomers like Mason Greenwood, and brought in fresh talent in the shape of Bruno Fernandes, Edinson Cavani, and Harry Maguire.

In this updated edition, Jamie Jackson takes the reader back to Solskjaer's early days in Norway to discover the making of the man. He relives his extraordinary playing career and that goal in the Champions League final of 1999, exploring his move into coaching and seeks an answer to the vital question: can he do it? Can Ole Gunnar Solskjaer draw on his experience and knowledge of the United way and bring the club its 21st league title?

Weight: 294g
Dimension: 130 x 228 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781471187872