FA Carling Premiership champions United have unearthed another Eric the Red following Eric
Cantona's surprise retirement.
But this Eric is Norwegian teenager Erik Nevland who has signed a four-year-deal in a bid to
become United's next Ole Gunnar Solkjaer.
The 19-year-old striker impressed in trials at Old Trafford, scoring hat-tricks in successive
matches, prompting boss Alex Ferguson to offer the life-long United fan a contract.
Neveland will return to the club in July on completion of his national service.
The striker, who impressed with a hat-trick for the reserves at Nottingham Forest last season, is
hoping to make the same impact of fellow countrymen Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ronny Johnsen
in their first full season in England.
Nevland will be competing with Andy Cole, Paul Scholes and fellow Norwegian Ole Gunnar
Solskjaer for a place up front.
But if he follows the example set by Solskjaer last season, United could be lining up with a dual
Norwegian strike-force.
Nevland himself insisted that was unlikely. He said: ``I have so much to learn. I think it will take
me years to get into the first team.
``I hope to do as well as Ole but it might not happen so soon.''
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