Man Utd to face Solskjaer’s Norwegian hometown club Kristiansund in pre-season friendly

OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER will take what could be a new-look Manchester United side to face his Norwegian home-town club Kristiansund on July 30.

Boss Solskjaer described the friendly in Oslo as “really important” while Old Trafford executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward hailed United’s “strong following” in Norway.

And by the time it is played Solskjaer hopes to have had a whole month bedding in all his hew players.

That’s because he wants to complete all his transfer dealings by the start of pre-season training – July 1

Solskjaer told United’s official website: “I am delighted we are playing a match against Kristiansund BK, they are from my hometown in Norway, which is an added bonus for me.

“We have a massive following in Scandinavia and it’s great that I meet United supporters wherever I go in Norway.

”This match will be really important in terms of our preparation for the new season.

“We want to hit the ground running and give ourselves a chance to challenge once the new campaign starts and the best way to do that is with some momentum behind you.“

United‘s newly-promoted Women’s team will travel to Oslo the following night for a friendly against Valarenga.

And Woodward said “These two friendlies will be part of what is set to be a great pre-season for both the men’s and women’s teams.

“The club has always had a strong following in Norway, with our Scandinavian supporters’ club being one of the biggest and most active fan groups.

”It is a pleasure to be playing against Ole’s hometown team and we are sure there will be great support for this game.

“This will also be an excellent preparation for the women’s team with Casey and her squad building on their promotion success in readiness for the season to come.”