"...And Solskjaer Has Won It!"

It takes a special player to have a banner attributed to him at Old Trafford.

Hanging from the Stretford End, "20LEGEND", is the perfect appraisal of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. A player immortalised for steering Teddy Sheringham's header into the top corner of Oliver Kahn's goal, in the most dramatic finish to a Champions League final ever, at the Camp Nou nine years ago.

This Saturday, Old Trafford will be filled to capacity for Solskjaer's testimonial match against Espanyol. It's the chance for United fans to show their appreciation for Solskjaer's role in the club's most successful period ever. A role which extends so much, and at the same time, so little, beyond THAT goal.

Solskjaer was a rare breed, an invaluable asset, as crucial to Manchester United's successes as any other of their most cherished. 

He was the Premier League's iconic super-sub. Had he grown up in the streets of Salford, he would not be loved more by the Old Trafford faithful. He is their adopted son.

He epitomises professionalism and loyalty. His endeavour and commitment has never been questioned by those who so adore him.

Late goals were his forte. Besides THAT goal, winners in the FA Cup against Liverpool and Villa live long in the memory, as do many, many others.

In the face of competition from more prolific goalscorers, Solskjaer often found himself adorning the club tracksuit at kick off. However, when the chips were down, Sir Alex would invariably turn to his "baby-faced assassin" to save the day, and Ole usually obliged.

The extraordinary regularity of devastating impacts he made via the bench can be attributed to him spending his time on the bench analysing the opposition's defence, looking for gaps which he could exploit when he got his chance.

Having called time on his career at the beginning of last season due to the re-occurring knee injury that has plagued his career throughout recent years, Saturday will be one last chance for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to be centre stage at the Theatre of Dreams, and he most definitely lived the dream, not least in Barcelona, 1999. 

"When Teddy scored, I thought 'Yes!', I'm going to play forty minutes of a Champions League final. That's going to be unbelievable."—Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.