Sir Alex Ferguson's involvement proved decisive, though, as he intervened to remind Solskjaer of his importance to the squad.

The Norwegian subsequently played a pivotal role in the 1999 treble triumph the following season, netting the stoppage-time winner in United's legendary Champions League final fightback against Bayern Munich.

"Everything was agreed. The two clubs had signed and were just waiting for me," Solskjaer revealed in November 2010. "It was that close.

"The gaffer called me into his office and closed the door. He said the conversation was just going to be between the two of us. He told me I would be a big part of his squad and he didn't want me to go.

"If he had said all the best in your career, I would have gone. But he wanted me to stay and so I signed. Hopefully I paid back the £5.5million that had been agreed with Spurs. But it is strange now to look at that fax."

Despite arriving in England with relatively modest expectations, the Norwegian consistently exceeded all predictions during his time at Old Trafford.

With Eric Cantona remaining the club's leading striker at United in 1996, few anticipated Solskjaer would feature regularly. Yet he surpassed the Frenchman's goal tally in his maiden season, netting 18 Premier League goals.

The forward remained at Old Trafford for 11 years, finding the net 126 times across 366 matches in all competitions.

Tottenham did ultimately acquire a United forward when they brought Teddy Sheringham back to White Hart Lane on a free transfer in 2001.

Nevertheless, the north London outfit might have altered not only their own fortunes but the entire European football landscape had they secured Solskjaer's signature 28 years ago.