Mikael Silvestre struggled when he first arrived at Old Trafford but has flourished this season.

The former Inter Milan defender is a regular fixture in Sir Alex Ferguson's United team selection and has proved incredibly quick on the counter attack.

Despite being able to play at either centre-back or left-back, his chances have been limited at international level because of the plethora of defensive talent currently in France.

Following the retirement of Marcel Desailly and Frank Leboeuf, he is expected to be at the heart of his team's defence.