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Mikael Silvestre

Full Name	Mikael Silvestre
Position	Wing/Centre back
Squad Number	27
Date of Birth	9th August 1977
Place of Birth	Chambray-Les-Tours France
Height	6ft
Weight	11st 11
United Debut	11/9/1999 (A) Liverpool
Transfer Fee	£3.5 million
International	6 Caps - 1 goal

Career History
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 at full-back his preferred role is centre-back. Silvestre signed for United on September 10, 1999 costing £3.5 million. 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.

Recent History
Silvestre has answered his critics and is rapidly becoming a vital member of the United squad. When he arrived he never really settled properly with Jaap Stam in the centre of defence. However making 50 appearances in the 2000-2001 season shows how much the manager has come to value his contribution. There's no doubt Sir Alex Ferguson loves 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.