The French centre-back joined United on 10 September 1999 and started for Sir Alex’s team the next day, away against local rivals Liverpool.
Silvestre had chosen United over the Merseysiders, so the defender expected a hostile reception when he took to the field against Gerard Houllier's men.
“Yeah [it was] my first experience [of English football],” said Silvestre. “Maybe it was better in a way because [I had only] two nights to get ready for the game. [I had] one training session and the next day I was on the pitch!
“Maybe it was better not to think too much about: ‘Oh, this is Liverpool, [a] big rival.