Solskjaer Confident of Quick Return

The Norwegian is confident that he is close to returning to match fitness after recovering from a knee injury. He had been pencilled in for a reserve team outing against Birmingham City last week, but the club thought it wise to give Solskjaer more time to rest and removed him from the squad for the game at Moss Lane. The match was later postponed anyway due to Phil Marsh being involved in a car accident, fortunately the youngster escaped with only a broken leg.

"Everything is going okay. With the team doing so well at the moment, there is no need for me to rush my recovery plan," said Solskjaer, responding to claims made by his agent Jim Solbakken that he was some distance from full fitness.

The 30-year-old, clearly missed by United during his long spell on the sidelines, added: "I trained with the first team last week and had planned to play against Birmingham for the reserves.

"But Sir Alex advised me to recharge my batteries and take a week's holiday.

"It's important for me to follow the advice of the medical staff and I must be patient and not too eager."

Solskjaer has been out of action since September, and so far has been unavailable for first-team selection for 25 matches. His absence has been a huge blow to United, and the news of Ole's upcoming return will be a boost to the club and supporters.

What role Sir Alex Ferguson will look to play Solskjaer in when he returns is unknown. He can play either as a strike, behind the front two, or on the right wing. He had success on the right flank during Beckham's time out of the team towards the end of last season, and with the signing of Louis Saha almost complete, I would imagine Ferguson will be looking to mould Solskjaer into a right winger for the rest of the campaign.

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