Mikael Silvestre

Mikael Silvestre (born August 9,1977 in
Chambray-Les-Tours) is a France|French football
(soccer)|footballer, playing  as a Defender
(football)|defender. He currently plays for
Manchester United F.C., as well as France national
football team|France internationally.

He began his career with the France|French club
Stade Rennais FC|Rennes in the 1995/96 season. His
time at the club helped build his reputation, and
in the 1997/98 season was signed by
Internazionale|Inter Milan. He made 18 league
appearances for Inter, as well as 6 European Cup
games. Silvestre signed for Manchester United F.C.
on September 10, 1999 for £3,500,000.

Silvestre is adept as both a centre-back and a
full-back, though he has stated that he prefers
playing in the centre. His first season at Man Utd
wasn't exceptional; replacing an injured Ronny
Johnsen in the centre with Jaap Stam; but he has
since improved and is now a regular first team
member, being called up for France's national
squad frequently. He received criticism for his
performance in Euro 2004, where he gave away
penalties to both England national football
team|England and Croatia national football
team|Croatia, before France were knocked out by
Greece national football team|Greece in the
quarter-finals.

Silvestre's most positive attribute is his pace,
and he often sets up scoring opportunities. He is
also noted for his crossing and tackling
abilities, though he isn't as adept at marking
opposition strikers.