Scandinavia has supplied the footballing world with some of the game’s most memorable individuals.
Manchester United is privileged to have laid a platform for many of these players, with a who’s who list of legendary figures shining under the bright lights of Old Trafford.
From Jesper Olsen to Peter Schmeichel and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, a conveyor of talent continues to inspire future generations from the region.
Nestled amongst this northern setting lies a foundation of football fanatics, each sharing a passion for the Premier League.
Ahead of the Red’s pre-season trip to Norway to face Rosenborg, we welcomed revered journalist Eivind Holth for episode six of the Theatre of Red podcast.
Eivind works with the Manchester United Supporters Club Scandinavia and has recently spent time with Rasmus Hojlund and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
During their conversations, he learned of the elite mentality they both possess and the love they hold for the Theatre of Dreams.
Recognising the character of Rasmus Hojlund
Having arrived at United for a staggering fee of £72 Million from Italian side Atalanta in August 2023, Hojlund realised his dream of signing for his boyhood club.
The Denmark international joined the youth ranks of Copenhagen, having spent time at Horsholm-Usserod Idaetsklub and Brondby.
When making his professional debut at 17, those surrounding the club noted his mental strength and desire for self-improvement.
“We visited his father and some of his coaches back at Copehgaen before the start of the season,” Eivind told Shaun Connolly.
“They told us they have never seen any player with that kind of mental strength, and he is so focused on that.
“The way he left Copenhagen was a bit random – I guess – because he wasn’t one of the biggest talents in the academy, but he had this will to succeed.
“When he went to Strum Graz, he rather took a chance to leave the academy because he didn’t feel he was really getting the chances he needed.”
An FA Cup triumph and 43 appearances later, Hojlund found the net 16 times and supplied two assists in all competitions during his debut campaign.
While it took the Dane some time to find his feet, he would break the record as the youngest player to score in six consecutive Premier League fixtures and hit five goals in six Champions League outings.
“To go from being a striker that has scored some goals in Serie A to Old Trafford to be the number one striker for a United team having a lot of challenges – that is quite a task for a young striker,” Eivind continued.
“He seemed very, very confident after what has been a tough first season.
“I think there is a lot more to come, and he obviously needs some help from teammates to score more than 16 goals next season.”
You are my Solskjaer
While football splits opinions easier than most, I think it is a fair assessment to say Solskjaer is the most beloved player from the region.
As a legendary striker who scored 126 times in 366 appearances to a manager who reconnected the supporters with the squad, his legacy will remain long beyond you and me.
Undeniably, his finest moment in a red shirt came on 26 May 1999, when his goal against Bayern Munich sealed an iconic treble for Sir Alex Ferguson.
Eivind was one of the lucky few who interviewed the former Molde man after he departed the Old Trafford hot seat, and he treasures it head and shoulders above the rest.
“We spoke for twenty minutes just about the final in Barcelona,” he recalled.
“He told me they were not allowed to order regular vodka drinks at the bus – it had to be triple vodka because they won the treble.”
“You cannot underestimate his devotion and love he has for Manchester United – you can not be more Mancunian without being from Manchester.”
When news broke of the Kristiansund native’s departure as manager, there was a sense of understanding and disappointment amongst the fanbase.
He had given his all for the club he holds dear, and despite accepting the decision, he was devastated to walk away.
“The interview he did – he wanted to do that interview himself. He wanted to say goodbye to the fans in a nice manner.
“He was not happy to step aside but would do what he could to improve Manchester United.
“If that meant that he had to leave his post – he would do that – and he would probably also come back and do it again if the club asked him to do that.”
A return to Scandinavia
Erik ten Hag‘s side will face Norwegian outfit Rosenborg in the first pre-season match ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.
The game is set to be held in the 21,000-capacity Lerkendal Stadion in Trondheim on July 15.
“There will be an event with some former players in the city centre which is not far from the stadium – that will be on matchday.”
If you wish to get involved, you can contact the guys on Instagram and Twitter @unitedno. You can also visit their website here.
Listen to the full episode here, and share the joy of the Scandinavian love for this club we all hold dear.
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