Defender’s move to Arsenal meets with Manchester United manager’s approval
by stresster on August 22nd, 2008
| 290 words |
It was 1974 when a footballer last made the move from Man United to Arsenal, although the transfer of Mikael Silvestre has not exactly proved too controversial. While Sunderland and Man City will be disappointed to miss out on the French defender, he is coming towards the end of his career and was hardly a first-team regular at Old Trafford.
The Daily Mail reports that Sir Alex Ferguson is perfectly content with the player’s move to North London, despite the fact he’s joining a potential title rival. The Scot claims United aren’t petty enough to stop the player making the move, although is his claim that Silvestre will get more first-team football at The Emirates entirely accurate?
‘He was conducting his own affairs. We knew the price we wanted and notified the clubs who were showing interest.
‘Mainly it was Sunderland. He went there last Friday to discuss a move and he came back and was very positive about that.
‘Then Man City came on the scene.
‘He was having a medical there and halfway through it he got a phone call to go to London and he ended up at Arsenal.’
Brian Kidd was the last United player to move to Arsenal whem he made the switch in 1974.
Ferguson added: “We have no complaints. We wish him well.
‘You could have been selfish and say you are going to be a reserve. But we are bigger than that.
‘We recognised the service and let him get on with a career playing first team football.’
Will the Frenchman get many starts under compatriot Arsene Wenger? He’ll surely be more likely to act as back-up to Gael Clichy or one of Arsenal’s central defenders than be a guaranteed starter, something which might have been the case at City or Sunderland.
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Tagged Under: arsenal fc, man united, Mikael Silvestre, sir alex ferguson
Radarman - August 22nd, 2008 at 7:14 pm
If he can produce then I can see him being a first team regular….he could partner Gallas at center-back just as good as Toure, if not better !!
American Gooner - August 22nd, 2008 at 11:32 pm
Silvestre is more than cover I think. Arsenal are still thinking about a holding midfielder. Song and Eboue have been tried there. The possibility is that Kolo Toure might get moved into that position. He arrived at Highbury as a midfielder before the cagey Professor turned him into an outstanding centre half. While he was off form a bit last season, his pace and shooting ability, not to mention his strength in the tackle, would make for an intriguing partnership with Fabregas.
In any case though, with Silvestre being able to play on the left flank of defense and with the injury problems the Gooners have faced in recent years, Mikael stands to see a lot of time. His experience and ability to play the passing game will get him some consistent minutes. Also, if he isn’t a starter, he’s a good option to bring on late in games to provide fresh legs and sound play in defense and hold on to some tight games.
A no lose situation for the Gooners. They needed depth in the back and on the left (now Gallas isn’t first choice to back up Clichy) and Silvestre is obviously hungry to play more… and 31 isn’t ancient for a centre half or back. Just ask Tony Adams and Nigel Winterburn, or Dennis Irwin.
mackanrow - August 23rd, 2008 at 4:25 am
i agree that silvester has the potential to win this tournament and he will be able to play on the left flank defense as gooners too has injuries too.
mackarow - August 23rd, 2008 at 5:29 am
while Sunderland and Man City will be disappointed to miss out on the French defender, there is nothing to lose for these man as they are all talented and extremely capable.