Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has disclosed that he came within a signature of joining Tottenham Hotspur in 1998, only for Sir Alex Ferguson to intervene at the last moment. The Norwegian striker had agreed terms with Spurs, and both clubs had signed off on a £5.5 million transfer, but a private conversation with the Manchester United manager changed everything.
“Everything was agreed. The two clubs had signed and were just waiting for me. It was that close,” Solskjaer said in a 2010 interview. “The gaffer called me into his office and closed the door. He said the conversation was just going to be between the two of us. He told me I would be a big part of his squad and he didn't want me to go.”
Solskjaer chose to remain at Old Trafford and went on to cement his legacy by scoring the winning goal in the 1999 Champions League final. He spent his entire playing career at United, retiring in 2007. He later returned as caretaker manager in 2018 after Jose Mourinho's sacking, earning a permanent role before being dismissed in November 2021.
United’s statement at the time thanked him for his contributions and for rebuilding the foundations for long-term success. The Norwegian remains a beloved figure at the club, with his near-move to Tottenham now a footnote in history.
