We had to wash our own kits 13 years ago - to be facing Manchester United now is a dream

Bodo/Glimt are on the brink of securing their fourth Norwegian league championship in five seasons, an achievement especially poignant as they head to Old Trafford for a "special" encounter with Manchester United, only 13 years after players were responsible for washing their own kits.

Situated above the Arctic Circle, the club will be backed by 6,500 supporters, equivalent to 12% of Bodo's total population, during Thursdays Europa League group stage clash at the Theatre of Dreams.

This journey is particularly surreal for those connected to the ever-improving Bodo squad, who will clinch their fourth Eliteserien title inside the last five seasons if they triumph over the already relegated Lillestrom come Sunday.

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For sporting director Havard Sakariassen it is another 'pinch-me' moment. As someone who idolised the United team featuring his fellow countryman Ole Gunnar Solskjaer back in the 90s, this is more than just a match.

"Personally, the 1990s were the defining years of my life because I was between 15 and 22," he remembered fondly. "Manchester was the coolest place on earth for me because of music and the football team."

"So, for me, drawing United, it's a cool thing. If you ask the 20-year-old Havard, that would be unreal to go to Old Trafford with Bodo/Glimt.

"Of course today I am working with this every day and we have been around the block for some years now, but still to go to Old Trafford is special for me. .

"We have played many games in Europe but, for the Norwegian football fans, playing against English teams is really special.

"The game against Arsenal (in