Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s place in Manchester United folklore was assured the moment he secured the club an historic treble with a last-gasp winning goal in the 1999 Champions League final, and should they repeat the feat this season, the forward may decide that it is an opportune moment to call time on his glorious career.

Solskjaer has another year left on his contract at Old Trafford, but while there remains a strong chance of him seeing it out, the 34-year-old could walk away on a high if United end up winning the Barclays Premiership, FA Cup and Champions League, as they did eight years ago. Whatever his decision, however, the Norwegian is almost certain to retire once he leaves United.

“No,” Solskjaer said yesterday when asked if he could see a future beyond next season. “I’ll most likely stay here [at United]. I have one year left on my contract and I’m aiming to do as well as possible to carry on, but I’ll have to see how I feel. I could suddenly say enough is enough, but I’ll stay here next year in any case.”

Solskjaer’s career looked as good as over last season after almost three years on the side-lines with a succession of ankle and knee injuries, but after a remarkable recovery, the forward has played an important role in United’s push for silverware this term.

Eleven goals in 27 games have convinced Sir Alex Ferguson, the United manager, that he was right to offer Solskjaer a two-year contract in March last year, but while the forward is convinced that a full season under his belt will stand him in good stead for the next campaign, it remains to be seen if he stays on.

Ferguson is in the market for a new striker this summer, with Klaas Jan Huntelaar, the Ajax and Holland player, Fernando Torres, of Atlético Madrid and Spain, and Eidur Gudjohnsen, the Barcelona forward, all on the manager’s radar, the arrival of any of whom could have a bearing on Solskjaer’s decision “I’m almost certain I’ll be better next season,” he said. “Then I’ll have this season behind me after two or three years out. I’ll be able to play at a higher level.”