Silvestre said: “They just buy trophies. United are all about growing players.
“City buy multiple stars and shut the door to the youth system.
“United have more courage. They are a club with a family spirit.
“Those who come through the ranks absorb the mentality, the history of the club so they show the heritage in their performances.”
United and City will compete in the International Champions Cup in the United States over the next two weeks.
The club is growing in popularity across the globe, but Silvestre thinks they are still some way behind United.
The former defender believes football fans across the globe have been put off supporting City because of their hefty spending.
“The way they do their business, it doesn't get people to support them,” he claimed.
“They might win trophies here and there but they won't gain support. I have been travelling a lot for United in the last six months.
“I have been to Asia, and the support there is unbelievable and honestly City is nowhere near that.”