Mikael Silvestre

Mikael Silvestre has been a bright spot in the Manchester United defence since his arrival in late 1999, and has become a regular throughout last season. The young Frenchman has joined his fellow countryman Fabien Barthez, and a Dutchman and a Norwegian in an all star back line for the red devils, and looks to be a vital part for years to come. Mikael Silvestre was born in Chambrey-Les-Tours, France on the 9th August 1977. He began his career with French side Rennes, signing pro in 1995, before making just one outing that season. He spent another two years with the French side, playing 31 times, but big club scouts were already gathering interest in the ...  Read the complete review

Liverpool’s search for someone to fill their problem left-back position seemed to be over when they opened negotiations with Inter Milan for their promising young French defender Mikael Silvestre in August 2000. Before the deal could be completed, however, Manchester United stepped in, and, offered the chance to play in his favoured position of central defence, he chose to sign for the English champions instead. By a quirk of fate, his debut for United came against Liverpool, at Anfield of all places. Although signed as a central defender, he played his first match at left-back, ironically the position that Liverpool wanted him for. Silvestre put in an ...  Read the complete review

A very young defender who has been criticised by many unjustly I think. He’s still learning and is still young. United signed him for £4 million from Inter Milan, beating Liverpool to his signature. He’s played for Inter Milan where he learnt most of his trade. He’s very quick and few strikers will beat him down the channels. However, many people have pointed out that he’s vulnerable when he has to defend, I watched him play yesterday against West Ham and I thought he was very good. He didn’t let many players get past him, and he was strong in challenges. But, he still needs time to adjust to the Premiership, it’s more ...  Read the complete review

Michael Owen. Glaring misses and some terrible tackles that deserved red. Yet he always gets off the hook as he is only young. Yet along comes this YOUNG French defender, plays well but makes a few errors and is slammed for it. People assume that as he had a spell in Milan that he would be world class, but not yet. Micky Silvester (As Paddy Crerand fondly calls him on the radio) is a player for the future. He already shows a great composure on the ball and goes forward on more occasions and in better style than the Nevilles. He has terrific pace and has proven that he can tackle well. I think his big problem at the moment is the fact he played ...  Read the complete review

How many of you people that constantly slate this man see him play all the time. I understand it's near impossible to get a ticket at Old Trafford, but take it from me. This opinion most likely won't be popular but I'm sure he'll make it bigtime. I have a season ticket at United, and listen to all the away games on the radio. Silvestre is usually very competent - he's a good tackler, very determined and great when coming forward carrying the ball, which full backs need to be nowadays. He can also play cross field balls to Beckham to set off an attack. This goes unnoticed on the Match of the Day highlights - who wants to see some ...  Read the complete review