Mikael Silvestre began his career with French First Division club Rennes in 1995/96 season. After a growing in reputation in the 1997/98 season Inter Milan signed him in time for the 1998/99 Serie A season.
He made 18 League appearances, scoring once and played six times in the European Cup, including the quarter-final second-leg, against Manchester United who defeated Inter 3-1 on aggregate. Although he can play as a left-back his preferred role has always been centre-back.
Silvestre signed for United on September 10, 1999 costing £3.5 million. When he arrived he never really settled properly with Jaap Stam in the centre of defence. He didn't have a great season by any means in his first United year but in his second year the Frenchman came on leaps and bounds, answering his critics and rapidly become a vital member of the United squad. Making 50 appearances in the 2000-2001 season showed how much the manager has come to value his contribution.
There was no doubt Sir Alex Ferguson loved Silvestre's attacking threat as much as his defensive skills. When played as a left-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 France national team who gave him his first cap for France at the Stade de France against Germany. Mikael even scored for French 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 always 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. He also scored the winning goal in the 2-1 home win over Leeds and started more games than any other player. Alongside Rio Ferdiand, he formed a rock solid partnership as Sir Alex switched Mikael into a central defensive role. As a regular French International he could consider himself a vital defensive lynchpin of Fergie's best eleven and was improving all the time.
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 the next season 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.
2006-2007 was not a good season for Silvestre as injury limited him to just 13 starts and 8 appearances as substitute. A broken a metatarsal in a 1-0 defeat to Arsenal in September and a dislocated shoulder in the win against Lille in March disrupted his season and the defender was unable to hold down a place in the team. He still has a contract at the club until at least 2009 and insisted in May 2007 his firm intention to stay at Old Trafford despite rumours of a move back to France.
Date of Birth: 1977-08-09
Place of Birth: Chambray-Les-Tours, France
Height: 6'1 ft
Weight: 13st 7lbs
Career Details
Club: Man Utd (No 27)
Position: Defence
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