French defender Mikael Silvestre has returned to training with Manchester United.

The 35-year-old spent nine years with the Red Devils after joining from Italian outfit Inter Milan in 1999.

However, he eventually lost his place in the starting lineup to compatriot Patrice Evra and opted to join Premier League rivals Arsenal in the summer of 2008.

He moved on to Werder Bremen two years later, before being released by the German side at the end of last season.

Now, a combination of Silvestre's status as a free agent and Man United's ongoing injury problems in defence have seen the former France international being linked with a short-term move back to Old Trafford.

Silvestre made 361 appearances during his first stint with United.