Marcos Rojo is set to make his long-awaited Manchester United debut against QPR after finally being granted a work permit.
The Argentine, 24, who can play either at left back or centre back, was snapped up from Sporting Lisbon in a deal worth £16million, but has yet to play for the club because of an ongoing visa application.
His work permit was allegedly held up because Rojo was facing a trial following allegations of an altercation with a neighbour in Argentina.
The matter has now been resolved, after a tweet from Manchester United’s official account said: “The UK Border Agency has agreed to grant #mufc defender @MarcosRojo5 a visa and he will therefore be available to face QPR on 14 September.”
If found guilty following a trial, Rojo’s lawyer Fernando Burlando has said his client would only have to undertake community service, which doesn’t have to be completed in his homeland.
United are still waiting for their first win of the season and Rojo, one of seven summer signings, is poised to make his first club appearance along with Radamel Falcao and Daley Blind.
The 24-year-old played in Argentina’s 4-2 win over Germany earlier this week. United’s record signing Angel di Maria also starred in the friendly win, which was a re-run of World Cup final.
Dia Maria showed just why United shelled out £59.7million for his services, setting up three goals and scoring with an exquisite chip over the top of Manuel Neuer, who is largely considered the best goalkeeper tin the world.
Falcao, the club’s other marquee signing, is looking forward to playing alongside ex-Real Madrid star Di Maria, who he knows from their time in Spain.
“Angel is a fantastic player,” the former Atlético Madrid man told reporters in Miami ahead of Colombia’s clash with Brazil at the Sun Life Stadium.
“I love the way he plays, I really do. I am very excited to be a team-mate of his and also to be part of Manchester United.”
Falcao’s loan move to Old Trafford on deadline day shocked the footballing world and was seen as a last-gasp coup by the Red Devils, though Falcao claims the clubs had been in negotiations for some time.
“We have been in talks with the club for some months and, in the end, we were able to reach an agreement with Monaco on the last day of the transfer deadline,” he said.
“I am happy at Manchester United.”
Image courtesy of Sky Sports, via YouTube, with thanks.
