Silvestre Expects United Exits

Former Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre believes Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain will succeed in their respective pursuits of David de Gea and Angel Di Maria.

De Gea has been heavily linked with a move to Real this summer, as they look to replace long-standing No 1 Iker Casillas, and Sky sources understand United are resigned to losing the Spaniard whether it be this summer or next.

And Silvestre, who won five Premier League titles during his nine-year spell at Old Trafford, believes the lure of a return to Spain could see Madrid prize De Gea away from United.

"You would expect him to maybe be tempted to go to Real Madrid because that's his home country and it's a major club,” he told Sky Sports News HQ.

"But United can give him what he wants, which is winning trophies and enjoying himself."

PSG, meanwhile, are reportedly close to signing Di Maria less than a year after he joined United from Real Madrid in a British-record £59.7million deal.

And Silvestre fears the Ligue 1 champions may also lure Di Maria to Paris after the Argentina international endured a difficult debut season in the Premier League.

"Over the years it's been difficult for South American players to adapt to the Premier League,” he added.

“I think the conditions, the culture and the demands of the Premier League in terms of physique and attitude, are challenging.

"Even top players find it sometimes difficult. I wouldn't be surprised if he was also tempted to go to PSG.

"Let's be frank, Ligue 1 in France is not the Premier League, in terms of football you can’t expect the same dimension, but Paris is a big club now."

While expecting further changes to personnel at Old Trafford before the end of the transfer window, Silvestre believes his former club will be well prepared to mount a serious title challenge this season.

"It has been another transition last season," Silvestre said.

"I think the team will be challenging for the title this year because everybody will have the time to take the measure of what it takes to go after Chelsea, go after Manchester City.

"And with the addition of such talented players, everything will be there to perform the whole season."

Credit: Skysports.com