Tuesday, 22nd July, 2014
Former Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre believes that new boss Louis van Gaal will give all the players a fair chance to stake their claim for a place in the team.
The mood is one of optimism at Manchester United as the team prepare to play their first pre-season match in the USA on Wednesday.
And the 36-year-old, along with several others, is hopeful that the former Barcelona manager will be able to replicate his heroics at the World Cup to bring success back to Old Trafford.
"It’s a completely fresh start, with the new manager, staff and players", Silvestre told Manchester United's official site.
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"Everybody is excited and is looking forward to working together as a group, and to the new season.
"It’s challenging for the players because they have to prove that they deserve their spot in the team, and especially on tour, when they have to perform and impress to be in the manager’s first XI plans.
"But it’s good to see he has faith and will give all the current players a fair chance to stake their claim for a place in the team."
Describing the club as a "beast", the former Arsenal player added expectations will be huge, but also expressed his confidence about Van Gaal's ability to be successful at Old Trafford.
"Everybody knows his achievements.
"It’s a challenge for him because United is a beast and there are lots of expectations.
"But I think he has the character, charisma, knowledge and experience to drive this team forward and win trophies."
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