Silvestre to Fight On

Fighting On
By Chris O'Brien
January 19 2006

Mikael Silvestre has hit back at claims that he is set to leave Old Trafford by underlining his intentions to fight for his first-team place. The Frenchman has been linked with a move back to his home country following the January arrivals of Patrice Evra and Nemanja Vidic.

Mikael Silvestre insists that he wants to stay and fight for his place in the Manchester United XI, despite speculation linking the Frenchman with a move away from Old Trafford.

 

The double New Year signing of Patrice Evra and Nemanja Vidic has placed new pressure on Silvestre, who looks set for months of bench warming and limited opportunities with United now boasting an impressive list of defensive strength. However Silvestre, who has often found himself as a scapegoat for United’s underachievement, is adamant that he has the ability to hold onto his first-team place.

"I don't care about what is written," said Silvestre.  "I almost play every match so I imagine Alex Ferguson is satisfied. Anyway if he wasn't, he wouldn't have waited to let me know.”

"I will not leave Manchester. I still have a year-and-a-half remaining on my contract and I am not on the list of departures.

Silvestre has been linked with a move to Lyon, but sees his future with the Red Devils. 

"I am staying at Manchester United and it's where I aim to be in the long-term. We will see at the end of the season if the club thinks the same. It is true that there are four players for two positions now. There will be competition, but I am not worried."