Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hopes the number 26 is a good omen for him as the club prepares for the Europa League final against Villarreal on Wednesday.
On May 26, 1999, at the Nou Camp, the Reds manager famously decided the Champions League final by prodding home a dramatic injury-time winner against Bayern Munich to complete an unprecedented treble.
It is still regarded as one of the most memorable moments in the club's history.
That victory, of course, occurred on Sir Matt Busby's birthday, and the number 26 has always held special significance for the Norwegian.
“My wife's birthday is on the 26th,” he explained to UEFA.com. “Because we got married on the 26th, I have to believe in fate, or skjebne [the Norwegian word].” It's a special number for us, as well as my family.
“I have to take this as a good omen.” I'm not particularly superstitious, but this appears to be a good omen.
Ole is calm as he prepares for his first final as Red's manager, and he is determined to lead the club back to the top. With Sir Alex Ferguson along for the ride, he understands what is required, not only on the night in Gdansk but also in the coming season and beyond.
“I'm not the type of person who thinks about how proud he is,” he admitted. “But, of course, it will be a special occasion. You must be proud to have led a Manchester United team to a final.
It's been an incredible journey, and as the Norwegians say, veien er malet [the goal is the journey]. You must enjoy the journey.
“This is just the first step toward reuniting our Man. United. If you can win a trophy, that's fantastic, but in any case, I've had a great time. I'm going to enjoy the night, but when it's over, you sit back down, return to Norway for a summer vacation, and your mind has to switch back to the next season. That's just the way it is.”
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