Premiership: Fergie u-turn can fire United - Silvestre
Mikael Silvestre believes Alex Ferguson’s decision to stay on as manager of Manchester United will motivate the team over the closing months of the season.
The defender, on international duty with France for Wednesday’s friendly with Romania, admits he was surprised when Ferguson went back on his intention to retire in the summer.
But he believes the move by Ferguson, who is expected to sign a new contract this week after discussions with the Old Trafford board, will galvanise the Premiership champions.
‘‘It was a very good surprise. I was not expecting it,’’ he said.
‘‘This will let the team work with a lot of calmness until the end of the season.’’
With Ferguson having been expected to depart, the United board had been unable to find a suitable successor.
The likes of Fabio Capello, Martin O’Neill and Sven-Goran Eriksson had been strongly linked with the post, but all are under contract for at least another year and had pledged to stay in their current employment.
Silvestre admitted he never wanted the Scot to leave after seeing the solid bond between Ferguson and his players.
‘‘Mr Ferguson is a very nice person when we need a day off. He never says no,’’ said the former Rennes and Inter Milan player.
‘‘But when he needs us, we’re there for him. There is a lot of communication with him and there is a lot of trust between himself and the players.’’
