Manchester 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. 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, Teddy Sheringham, 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."