Silvestre happy at centre-back
Sir Alex Ferguson has promised the French international a regular run in his preferred position after spending much of his four years at Old Trafford operating in the left-back slot.
United began the defence of their championship crown with a 4-0 demolition of Bolton at Old Trafford last weekend, with teenage sensation Cristiano Ronaldo announcing his Premiership arrival in style.
But while Ronaldo and two-goal hero Ryan Giggs gained most of the plaudits for the dismissal of the Trotters, Silvestre and Ferdinand were able to take quiet satisfaction from starting the season with a clean sheet.
“I get on very well with Rio,” said the 26-year-old, who started more matches than any other United player last season.
“Neither of us is better at marking than the other, or better on the ball than the other. We have the same body language on the pitch, we are both responsible for marking and generally we do the same job.
“I feel this squad is stronger than in the past. We have signed some good young players who have plenty of quality and we are feeling good at the moment.”
However, the same cannot be said of his international teammate Fabien Barthez, who didn’t even make the subs’ bench.
Despite Ferguson’s defence of the keeper on Friday, new signing Tim Howard appears to have been installed as first choice.
Silvestre is adamant however that Barthez will bounce back.
“There are a lot of people battling for one place and they have to fight for it,” he said. “You can see how they compete in training and I’m sure Fabien won’t let himself down.”
Meanwhile, Brazilian World Cup winner Kleberson could make his first appearance in a United shirt in the humble surrounds of Altrincham’s Moss Lane ground tomorrow night.
Ferguson is thought to be keen to get some match practice into his recent £6 million signing.
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