International Soccer Archive - Player Profiles - Mikael Silvestre (Manchester United & France)

Date of Birth: August 9th, 1977
Place of Birth: Chambray-Les-Tours, France

Another from Manchester United FC's stable of versatile defenders, Mikaël Silvestre has made the left-back berth his own in recent seasons.

Silvestre made his international debut for France against Germany in February 2001, yet failed to break into the side at the FIFA World Cup in Korea/Japan despite being named in the squad.

Silvestre notched up 49 appearances in the French First Division with Stade Rennais FC between 1995 and 1998, his displays catching the eye of Inter Milan. He never fully established himself at the San Siro, though, playing 18 times in Serie A, but was part of an Inter side beaten by United in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals. On arrival at Old Trafford in September 1999, Silvestre was deployed alongside Jaap Stam in central defence, deputising for the injured Ronny Johnsen. But his early days at the club were marred by a series of mistakes. In time, however, Sir Alex Ferguson would be rewarded for persevering with the youngster, who eventually won the confidence of both manager and supporters with his performances at left-back. Indeed, he played more minutes than any other United player as they won back their Premiership crown in 2003, Silvestre's third at Old Trafford. In the 2003/04 season he formed a solid partnership with Rio Ferdinand, and United's form dipped considerably when Ferdinand's suspension broke the partnership up. Silvestre made 34 appearances as United finished third in the league, but missed both legs of the Champions League defeat against FC Porto.

Career Record (Games / Goals)

Rennes
Inter Milan (18 / 1)
Manchester United (191 / 3)

France (20 / 2)

Honours

1999 Intercontinental Cup Winner
2000 Premier League
2001 Premier League
2003 Premier League
2003 Charity Shield