A Manchester United defence at sixes and sevens last weekend could be taking a step in the right direction this week after it was confirmed Argentina World Cup star Marcos Rojo is due for an Old Trafford medical.
Centre-back Rojo, 24, is expected to cost United around £16million in a part swap deal, that involves misfiring winger Nani being shipped out to the Argentine’s club Sporting Lisbon.
Rojo will be a welcome addition to Louis van Gaal’s apparently insufficient squad should he pass a medical and agree personal terms.
#mufc has reached agreement with Sporting Lisbon to sign defender Marcos Rojo, subject to a medical and personal terms.
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 19, 2014
“It’s a dream to play at Manchester United and I am very proud of having the chance of working with Van Gaal,” Rojo told Argentine radio station Continental.
“I spoke with Juan Sebastian Veron about Manchester United when we were at Estudiantes. I have always liked English football, and I should adapt to this new playing style easily.”
The versatile Rojo can also play at left-back and was on the pitch for the 120 minutes of the World Cup final loss to Germany last month.
Rojo let slip he was United-bound at the weekend but apologised for his faux pas.
“There was a misunderstanding, I never wanted to do something wrong at Sporting as I have always been very thankful to that team that gave me many chances for playing in Europe,” Rojo said.
“If I made a mistake, I have already apologised because I didn’t want to hurt the feelings of anyone at the club.”
Meanwhile Nani, berated by United fans last season including one young cheeky chap in May, was ineffective in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Swansea City at Old Trafford though his arrival for Lisbon will create a positive effect.
Sporting revealed they will use around £7million towards the construction of their new indoor arena, the Pavilhao.
Nani joined United in 2007 and has played 230 times, scoring 41 goals.
Main image courtesy of TV Publica – Argentina via YouTube, with thanks.
