SOLKSJAER

Last updated : 21 May 2006 By Ed

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"I hope to have a good pre-season because after a World Cup, you never know how the manager changes the team and who is going to play," he said. "I certainly want to be fit from the start of the season and, hopefully, to start a few games.''

Solskjaer, recovering from a fractured cheekbone sustained in an end-of-season reserve match, added: "The manager is building an exciting team and it's important at the start to catch Chelsea."

Solskjaer has gone down in United folklore for his winning goal against Bayern Munich in Barcelona plus his part in the Reds' Treble-winning campaign.

"United is a club with tradition and history," he said. "Hopefully, sooner or later, we will be back to the top."

Solskjaer is realistic enough to know his days as a first-choice striker are probably over. Indeed, he now sees himself more of a right winger.

"I don't see team-mates as competitors," he insisted. "I always feel we are part of the team. If my role is to play minutes, that's my role. If I'm on the bench to encourage, that's my role. If I'm just being in the squad, that's my role.

"We got fantastic strikers at Old Trafford, a blend now of young and experienced players. The squad is very strong."