Ronny's Delight At United Return

On Monday afternoon, Manchester United announced plans to play Norwegian side Valerenga in Oslo on Sunday 5 August.

Ronny Johnsen won silverware with both clubs and spoke exclusively to ManUtd.com's Nick Coppack about the support the Reds enjoy in Scandinavia.

Ronny, what does this announcement mean for fans in Norway?
It’s fantastic news. The Scandinavian Supporters’ Club is by far the biggest in the world and United is by far the best supported club in Norway. I know this is big, big news for fans in this part of the world. There are so many United fans in Norway. It’s good news for everybody.

Normally it's Norwegians coming to Old Trafford. Now United are going to them...
That's right. Every time United play at home a lot of Norwegian fans travel to Manchester. There are even some Season Ticket holders from Norway. That shows you what this club means to them. It’s really nice that now United are coming to them. I think they’ll all feel really proud. United’s a massive club in Norway and these fans are real die-hards. Every day they follow what’s going on via the internet or on their phones and, as often as they can, they get to Old Trafford. It’s only an hour-and-a-half away on a plane, so it’s not too difficult to get there, but I know they’ll really appreciate United coming to them. It makes a nice change!

What can you tell us about this summer's opponents, Valerenga?
Valerenga is the club I went back to once I left the Premier League and I won the Norwegian league title with them in 2005. I’m very happy for them because they have the best fans in Norway – they really deserve a big day like this. I’m really happy for the Klanen, which is the name of the main supporters group. It’s going to be a very big game and they’ll have no problem filling the stadium for this match.

Of course, it's not the first time the two clubs have met in a summer friendly. You took part in one back in 1998...
Yeah, I did! I remember that game very well. We drew 2-2. It’s just great for United to be back in Norway playing again. It will be nice for the players to go there, too. Sometimes pre-season games are very hot and humid but it won’t be too warm at that time of the year.

Will Valerenga provide stiff opposition?
I think so, yes. Because of the cold winter months, the Norwegian league starts in April and goes through to November. So United will come here in the middle of the Norwegian season, which means Valerenga should be well prepared and provide a good test.

How are they doing this season?
They struggled a little in terms of the football they were playing at the start of the season but they still got results and should be in a good rhythm by the time United arrive in town. They're currently third in the league so it should be a good test and really help United prepare for the start of the English season. I think it will be very competitive.

You left United in 2002. How closely do you still follow the Reds?
I still follow them really closely. I’ve been helping out with a few trophy tours and it’s been really nice to be back around the club and meeting fans around the world. It’s funny, you know, because even now a lot of the same people who were working at the club when I was a player are still around. You’re always made to feel so welcome whenever you come back. It’s a real family club.

Finally, how impressed have you been with your former team-mate and fellow Norwegian Ole Gunnar Solskjaer since he moved into management?
Ole always wanted to go into management and he’s done a great job. It’s not easy to make that move but he’s done really well. Winning the league with Molde for the first time in their history was a huge achievement and Ole has to take a lot of credit for that. I’m not surprised he’s done well.