Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Testimonial: Manchester United 1-0 Espanyol

"Who stuck the ball in the German's net?" I was tempted to say Emile Heskey, but to be honest, judging by the number of times this man had asked this question I wasn't quite sure if even he knew the answer so I didn't want to confuse the poor guy.

Granted he was a "little bit" (a lot) drunk, but his constant mutterings weren't annoying, they were bliss, it signalled the return of Premier League football (sort of) to my life, and I was looking forward to it, even though it was only a friendly.

Today's friendly match between Manchester United and Espanyol was a chance for United fans to pay homage to a player who had served them so well. Solskjaer's testimonial had been well earnt.

Almost 70,000 fans were in attendance, on a day when all the frivolities were directed towards United's number 20, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The match was glammed up with the help of entertainment from special guests such as Teddy Sheringham, and a rousing rendition of Barcelona in tribute to that glorious night at the Nou Camp nine years ago.

Solskjaer didn't start the game, but was prominent prior to kick off. Walking out a guard of honour from both sets of players, Solskjaer and his two young children carried out the Champions League trophy won with that last-gasp winner against Bayern Munich. 

The match itself was a typical pre-season affair. Both teams eased their way into the game, as it started at a pedestrian pace. The first real opportunity presented itself close to the half hour mark.

Clever work by Nani led to the ball landing at Scholes' feet, just outside the area, with defenders closing him down quickly, Scholes lofted the ball goalwards, only for it to hit the post, the rebound fell to Nani who blasted wide when he really should have scored. United then went on to create several other chances but poor finishing let them down.

The second half began more promisingly than the first, with several tasty tackles creating more of a spectacle, indeed, I have never seen a referee flash his yellow card so much in a friendly match.

As the inevitable changes occurred, the crowd grew impatient for Solskjaer's introduction. He eventually entered the fray in the 69th minute. Prior to the change, the game was grinding to a stalemate conclusion, but Solkjaer's presence sparked a bit of life into the game.

Solskjaer looked eager to score to recreate his old super-sub status, and had two fantastic efforts saved in the space of a three minutes. The crowd responded and United pressed for a winner.

It arrived in the 81st minute. Frazier Campbell latching onto an exquisite through ball from Giggs, before dinking it over the advancing keeper.

At the final whistle, Solskjaer received one last standing ovation from the Old Trafford faithful, and with that, he walked off to continue his career on the coaching staff at United.

The performance by United illustrated their need to purchase a top-class striker before the window closes if they are to build upon last season's successes.

An out-an-out goalscorer, someone who can run the channels, someone, in fact, rather like Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.