While the likes of former City team-mate Alvaro Negredo or United’s expensive misfit Ángel Di María quickly pursued a move away from Manchester after struggling to adjust to life in the north of England, Silva has belied his upbringing in the Canary Islands by settling into Mancunian life. And although he dislikes the “cold and darkness” of English winters, Silva insists that the anonymity he enjoys comes freely in Manchester.