Who are Kristiansund, what league do they play in and why are Man Utd playing them in a friendly?

MANCHESTER UNITED are heading to Norway as the continue their Premier League preparations.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side have enjoyed an excellent pre-season so far and will be hoping for another morale-boosting victory against local side Kristiansund BK.

Who are Kristiansund?

A RELATIVELY new club, Kristiansund BK were formed just 16 years ago in 2003.

They are the result of a merger between two rivals, as Kristiansund FK and Clausenengen FK came together and agreed to establish a new professional side.

The town itself is situated on the western coast of Norway in the Nordmøre district and is famous for its bacalhau, a type of dried cod.

Home games are played at the 4,444-capacity Kristiansund Stadion and the team have enjoyed a period of success in the last few years.

United boss Solskjaer was born in Kristiansund and can't wait to face his hometown club in the friendly clash on July 30.

Earlier this year, SunSport visited the town and discovered how Solskjaer and his family remain a proud part of the local community.

What league do they play in?

BACK in 2006, Kristiansund BK were turning out in the 2.Division, the Norwegian third division.

It took them six years to negotiate their way to the next level, eventually achieving promotion after a title-winning performance of 22 wins in 26 games in 2012.

And promotion from 1.Division to the top-flight was achieved four years later in 2016 as they again romped to the title.

Kristiansund currently play in the Eliteserien, the highest level in the Norwegian ladder.

In 2018, they finished 5th out of the 16 teams competing which represented their most successful season yet.

Why are Man Utd playing them in a friendly?

UNITED boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is looking to put his Red Devils back into title contention this season.

There is a huge following for United in Norway and club bosses hope to pack out the Ullevaal Stadium in Oslo – with extra spice added as Ole goes up against his hometown club.

He told MUTV: "I’ve said all along, since I came, I’m so proud, privileged and honoured to lead the club and be in charge of the club so, to do it in Norway, is another little bonus for me, of course.

"But, then again, it will be bigger here for everyone in Norway because there is such a huge fanbase here following us through thick and thin. We’ll be the home team, no doubt about it.

"It’s a chance for [Kristiansund] maybe to be seen around the world because teams are always watching Manchester United. They might just see one or two of these players having a chance in their team."

Other notable players to come from the town include Norwegian internationals Oyvind Leonhardsen, Trond Andersen, Ole Stavrum and Georg Hammer.

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