Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was a proud father on Wednesday night as he watched his daughter Karna lift her first trophy with the Manchester United Women’s team.
Karna, who was playing for the United Women’s U21s side, helped the Red Devils defeat Birmingham City 4-1 in the Women’s Super League Academy Cup Final.
The teenager started the match and threaded a delightful through ball to Alyssa Aherne for United’s second goal. She played just over 60 minutes overall, before being replaced by Keira Barry just after the hour mark.
While the Norwegian didn’t manage to get on the scoresheet, it was nonetheless an immensely satisfying moment for Ole. The former United men’s boss posed for photographs with Karna after the match and was beaming in typical Solskjaer fashion.
Ole has kept a relatively low profile since his exit as manager of the men’s team, but there was no attempt to disguise himself on this occasion as he cheered on Karna from the stands.
The result means that both Karna and Ole have now won silverware in United colours. However, it’s fair to say the teenager still has a long way to go to replicate the success of her father.
Proud moment for Ole, a father watching his daughter lift a trophy.
Amazing scenes! Karna Solskjaer smashing it as always.#mufc #MUFC_FAMILY #muwomen pic.twitter.com/pOZLXqGd5L
— Jonathan (@JonFosterMUFC) March 9, 2022
Across an 11 year spell at Old Trafford, Ole won 10 trophies, including six Premier League titles and most famously, the Champions League in 1999, where he scored the winner against Bayern Munich in stoppage time.
Yet, Ole has previously joked that his daughter is too young to remember this iconic moment: “My daughter Karna and my youngest son Elijah… they don’t remember their daddy playing,” he said.
“Noah [his oldest son] can vouch for me – I hope! No need for any scrapbooks or newspaper clippings, he can just tell them about the time he saw dad scoring the winning goals for United at Old Trafford.”
While Karna may not be old enough to remember her father’s glory days, Ole himself can look forward to many years of watching his daughter play at the top level.
The teenager made her debut for the senior women’s side earlier this year in the Women’s FA Cup, and manager Marc Skinner has stressed he is not afraid to utilise his youngsters in the right scenario.
Her cameo meant that Ole and his daughter are the first-ever father and daughter to both play for Man United.
This season may prove to be too soon for the 19-year-old to nail down a regular spot in the first team, but the teenager has certainly got a bright future ahead, having scored 14 goals this season for the U21s.
And when she does finally make her first senior start, you can bet Ole will be right there to support her.