Happy Birthday, Mikael Silvestre! (09.08.1977)

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After celebrating Louis Saha yesterday, it's time to celebrate another Frenchman came to fight for The Reds! Mikaël Silvestre (born August 9, 1977 in Chambray-Les-Tours) is a French footballer, playing as a defender. He currently plays for Manchester United, as well as France internationally. Silvestre is adept as both a centre-back and a left full-back, though he has stated that he prefers playing in the centre. 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. Now, following the partnership of Nemanja Vidic and Ferdinand flourishing at the heart of the defence, and the competition between Patrice Evra and Gabriel Heinze for the left-back position, Silvestre's place in the squad would appear to be less than secure. However at the end of last season he showed some fine form, particularly in the 2-0 victory over Arsenal and back at the left of United's defence. He admits that he was given the option to leave during the January transfer window during 2006, with an opportunity to join former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier at Lyon. However to his credit remained at the club and has since proven himself to be a useful member of the team. On Friday August 11, 2006 his loyalty to the club was rewarded with a new contract extending his stay at the club until at least 2009. Sir Alex Ferguson commented that: "Mikael has been an important member of the squad for seven years now. His experience at the Club will help the younger players as they develop and he has a central role to play in the first team."