Goodbye Mikael Silvestre?

Mikael Silvestre hinted that he might finish his Manchester United career after spending 9 successful years at the club.

Silvestre's got a lot of stick over the years, often unfairly as he could play really well. His season was shattered by cruciate ligament injury but his return to the team proved he's still capable of doing the job: he played very well against Roma and Chelsea.

His former teammate Laurent Blanc is said to be interested in luring Silvestre to French title-chasers Bordeaux and the French defender admitted he might quit United.

'It [a move to Bordeaux] isn't impossible.

'Bordeaux is a club which is close to my heart. When I was little, I followed their exploits in Europe. Moreover, I have family in the Gironde region.

'But each player has to be satisfied in a sporting sense as well as financially. There are no gifts handed out here. I am not a good Samaritan.'

This resolutely pragmatic approach is in stark contrast with Mikael's kind though ugly face. However, with United no longer able to guarantee him first-team football I would not be surprised if he left.

But speaking of left, we need cover for Patrice Evra. John O'Shea might do the job especially if we really buy a right-back but he's right footed and I'd feel more comfortable if we could field a player who is a natural left-back. If Silvestre goes, good luck to him but we'll be a bit short in that department.