Silvestre denies Fergie rift

Back in November, when United were supposedly deep in crisis, Silvestre ventured to question Ferguson's tactical decisions for leaving the Frenchman on the bench and starting with veteran defender Denis Irwin.

Silvestre certainly risked the wrath of Ferguson with his outburst but he is adamant that it is water under the bridge and he is pleased the Scot is staying at the Old Trafford helm.

"There was never a rift between me and the manager and anything that happened is all forgotten," said Silvestre.

"Of course, I did not enjoy sitting on the bench at the beginning of the season but I am playing all the time now and hold no grudges whatsoever.

"It's good that I'll continue to work with him. We all expected someone new to be announced for the end of the season but instead the manager told us he was staying.

"I'm glad he's going to carry on because I have improved a lot under his guidance. He was strong with me and did his job. That helped me a lot."

A defensive reshuffle back in December prompted The Red Devils' resurgence as Silvestre was restored to left back and Gary Neville shifting across to the centre from right back with his younger sibling Phil also coming in to the team.

The partnership between the elder Neville and the experienced Laurent Blanc has provided the foundations for United's revival and Silvestre is wholesome in his praise for his compatriot.

He added: "It did make us more solid but I think another important factor was Laurent's leadership.

"His placement, his vision, his serenity, everything he does is perfect.

"We may not be the same type of defenders but that does not mean that he cannot help me. I am always looking to learn from him. He's the boss."