Ex-Arsenal defender makes Manchester United return

Manchester United have welcomed former French international defender Mikael Silvestre back to the club on a training capacity.

The versatile 35-year-old is currently without a professional club, and was put through his paces alongside the Red Devils first-team ahead of the Champions League trip to Club Cluj.

Reports in The Daily Mail suggest that Sir Alex Ferguson might be considering a short-term offer for the player, with club captain Nemanja Vidic and England international duo Phil Jones and Chris Smalling both out of action at Old Trafford.

The veteran spent close to a decade with Manchester United, signing from Inter Milan in 1999 before leaving for Arsenal in 2008.

Silvestre joined the Gunners on a free transfer after losing his place to Patrice Evra, and spent two seasons playing in a variety of defensive positions for compatriot Arsene Wenger.

However, his time at the Emirates Stadium was relatively short lived, and after two seasons with Arsenal, Silvestre joined Werder Bremen after his release from north London.

It would be a major surprise if the player re-signed for Manchester United, but with Silvestre available on a free, it could be a win-win situation for both parties.