Former Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre has expressed a strong desire to work alongside Michael Carrick at Old Trafford, but only in a director of football role. The Frenchman, who spent nine years at the club, earned his coaching badges after retiring but chose a front-office career instead.
Silvestre's Career Path and Interest
Silvestre, 48, served as Rennes' director of football and most recently held the same position at Romanian club CFR Cluj before leaving earlier this year. He completed a Masters in sports management to prepare for the role. Speaking to Grosvenor Sport, he said: "I earned my coaching badges but it's not for me. I'd prefer the Director of Football role which I did at Rennes after I completed my Masters in sports management."
Silvestre noted that Carrick's coaching team is already full, making a playing or coaching return unlikely. However, he added: "I will go and watch United in September and observe training but like all former players I look out for all my clubs, although I look out for United more specifically than others. I played for them for nine years, after all."
Rooney and Valencia Also Offer Services
Wayne Rooney, who has not managed since a difficult spell at Plymouth Argyle in 2024, said he would abandon his punditry career to join Carrick. Speaking in January, Rooney stated: "Of course I would. It's a no-brainer. I'm not begging a job here by the way. Just so everyone knows, if I was asked to go in of course I would."
Antonio Valencia, currently working for Telemundo Deportes during the World Cup, told Hajper: "Yes, I would go back. Manchester United is a club that gave me so much. My family was very happy there. I would work for Manchester United in any role, out of passion. It is a club I love a lot."
Current Director of Football Situation
The director of football role Silvestre covets is currently held by Jason Wilcox, who was promoted after Dan Ashworth's departure. Carrick has not indicated any plans to change his backroom staff, but the interest from former teammates highlights the strong bonds formed during their playing days.
