WHO's a silly boy, then? United defender Mikael Silvestre, for one writes Chris Sudlow

Every time he goes to play for France one of his chums in the local press asks him how he is doing at United.

So what is his response? He opens his mouth and bleats about this, or that.

How he is being played out of position. Or not selected. Or the manager has got it all wrong.

His timing this week was impeccable. The day after David Beckham told the world: "You only cross him once" - meaning Sir Alex Ferguson, of course, Silvestre is at it again.

He said: "We have let in a lot of goals since the start of the season and according to the manager the problems stem from the centre of defence.

"I have sat through videos of our matches with the manager but I don't agree with the theories he puts forward."

Don't agree? Is this man stupid?

Silvestre famously signed for United ahead of Liverpool because he was led to believe he would be selected in his favoured position - centre-half.

Sir Alex instantly picked him - at left-back, where he has largely remained ever since.

Nobody speaks to the Press in any country anymore without considering the quotes will be picked up worldwide.

Sir Alex himself gave a revealing interview to an Italian sports magazine.

And he knew every word would be scrutinised back home and reported at length, especially in these troubled times at Old Trafford.

Perhaps Silvestre should consider this the next time he opens his mouth - or Sir Alex will be a very cross man indeed!