Silvestre admits United not good enough

Manchester United look to ease their pain by inflicting more misery on Newcastle tomorrow with Mikael Silvestre admitting the Red Devils have simply not been good enough this season.

For the second season on the trot, United head into the final month of the Premiership campaign with nothing more to play for other than second spot and places in the May 21 Millennium Stadium showdown with Arsenal.

While Silvestre refuses to write the FA Cup off as a second-rate competition, Silvestre claims even victory over the Gunners would not be enough to turn the campaign into a success.

“Being out of contention for the title at this stage two years in a row is not good enough for United,” said the French international.

“It has not happened here for over 10 years and it is disappointing for everyone at the club. We cannot underestimate the value of the FA Cup. It is a great trophy to win and I am sure Arsenal think the same.

“But it is not something that will salvage our season, it is just something we have to win.”

Unfortunately for Silvestre, it is not as if he can take much pleasure from his own recent performances.

A virtual ever-present since arriving from Inter Milan in 1999, the 27-year-old was axed for last week’s Newcastle encounter following a series of hesitant displays at centre-half alongside Rio Ferdinand.

Things had got so bad at Norwich eight days previously that Silvestre reverted to full-back, as Gabriel Heinze was switched inside to shore up the Red Devils’ rearguard.

“It is disappointing to be left out of the team,” Silvestre said. “As a player you want to play all the games but obviously I have not had the same sharpness recently. The boss decided rest me, so I have to wait and make sure I am ready for the next occasion.”