Manchester United Player Profiles : Mikael Silvestre

Mikael Silvestre signed for United on September 10th, 1999 from Inter Milan for a reported 3.5 million quid. Inter were his second club though, having started his career with French first division outfit Rennes. He did not enjoy the best of starts to his United career having a difficult first season but came on on leaps and bounds in his second season here. He made more than 50 appearances in the 2000-01 season as he began making his mark and earned SAF’s confidence.

There was no doubt Sir Alex Ferguson loved Silvestre’s attacking threat as much as his defensive skills. When played as a full-back Silvestre’s speedy run’s and dribbling skills gave United an extra attacking option, most noticeably against Panathinaikos when he ran 50 yards, past two defenders and set up a goal.

His excellent form at both centre-back and full-back attracted the attention of the National team who gave him his first cap for France at the Stade de France against Germany. Mikael even scored for France in Paris against Portugal in April in a 4-0 win. He also deservedly got his first goal for United at home to Leicester in March 2001. In 2001-2002, although the United defence was not the most solid, Silvestre was one of the few defenders who can be praised.

In 2002-2003 he played at centre back for a while alongside Wes Brown and has stated that this is his favourite position. But given United’s massive outlay on Rio Ferdinand, the French star found himself back on the left side when the £29 million man returned from injury. Silvestre had a fine season in 2003 and made his contribution in making sure the Champions had the best defensive record in the Premiership. Alongside Rio Ferdiand, he formed a rock solid partnership as Sir Alex switched Mikael into a central defensive role.

Yet, he ended the 2004-2005 season on an less than satisfactory note. The high point was undoubtedly scoring both goals in United’s 2-1 win over Liverpool but with Fergie often giving Wes Brown preference, there was now real competition for places in the United back-four. The Frenchman could take nothing for granted last year either, with Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra arriving to increase the pressure for first team places. However, an injury free season allowed Silvestre to start in 43 games and make 4 appearances as substitute.

Although competition for places at the back is higher than ever, Silvestre continues to be a valued member of the United squad and hopefully a lot more to come from him in a Red shirt.

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