Ole Gunnar Solskjaer: A factfile of the former Manchester United striker after he is appointed the manager of Cardiff City

A look at the Norwegian's career as he returns to the Premier League

Molde manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has reportedly rejected the chance to take over as the new manager of Cardiff City

(GETTY IMAGES)

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been confirmed as the new manager of Cardiff City, with the former Manchester United manager signing a “rolling contract” to take immediate control of the side. Here, we take a look at his playing career and subsequent transition into management.

1973: February 26 - Born Kristiansund, Norway.

1995: Joins Molde from Clausenengen FK and scores 20 goals in 26 appearances in his first season. After representing Norway at under-21 level he wins his first senior cap against Jamaica on November 22 and scores in the 1-1 draw.

1996: Joins Manchester United in a £1.5million move on July 29 after scoring 11 goals in 16 league games for Molde. Scores on his United debut against Blackburn on August 25 at Old Trafford after coming on as a substitute for David May.

1996-97: Finishes his first season in England as United's top league scorer with 18 goals and helps them retain the Premiership title.

1997: Manager Alex Ferguson rewards him with a lucrative seven-year contract.

1997-98: Was in and out of the side, mainly due to injuries, and managed only six league goals in his second season.

1998: Scored against Monaco in the quarter-finals of the Champions League in March as United lost on the away goals rule. Sent off for a professional foul on Newcastle's Rob Lee in April. Played at the World Cup in France as Norway reached the last 16 where they lost to Italy.

1999: February 6: Scores four goals in a 12-minute substitute's appearance as United thrash Nottingham Forest 8-1 at the City Ground.

May 26 - Scores dramatic injury-time winner at the Nou Camp to beat Bayern Munich and win the Champions League, completing an historic treble with United having already secured the league title and the FA Cup.

2000: Appears at Euro 2000 but Norway fail to progress from group stage.

2001-02: Scores 30 goals in all competitions for club and country.

2002-03: United regain English title.

2003-04: Struggles with injuries during the season, scoring only one goal.

2005: December - Returns from 20 months out with a recurring knee injury.

2006: March 31 - Signs new United contract.

August - Scores first United goal in nearly three years against Charlton.

2006-07: Scores 11 goals as United win the Premier League for the first time in four years.

2007: February: Makes final international appearance versus Croatia.

August 28 - Retires from football.

2008: Took charge of United's reserves and was rewarded for his contribution to United as a player with a testimonial match at Old Trafford against Espanyol.

2010: November - Takes charge of Molde.

2011: October - Ends first season at the helm by steering Molde to the Norwegian title.

2012: Discusses possibility of succeeding Alex McLeish at Aston Villa but opts to remain with Molde, winning a second successive league title with the club in November.

2013: Molde finish the season sixth after a poor start.

2014: January 2 - Cardiff confirm Solskjaer as their new manager, succeeding Malky Mackay.

PA