Abhranil Roy
A lot of eyebrows were raised when Jose Mourinho said that he views Chris Smalling and Phil Jones as his long term centre back partnership, with many wondering how the Portugese can keep the injury prone Jones fit all season long. However, it is as it is, but along with the signing of Eric Bailly and the return of Luke Shaw to full fitness, it appears the future of Marcos Rojo at Old Trafford is in huge doubt.
The Argentine has flattered to deceive during his short stay at Manchester, having been signed by Louis van Gaal after an excellent performance in 2014 World Cup. Injury has hampered his progress tremendously, and his versatility, which has seen him play as a right back and a left back as well as a centre back during his time, has seriously undermined his position.
Having sold the Ivory Coast defender Bailly to United last month, Spanish club Villarreal are said to be looking at Rojo as a possible replacement and see his versatility as an added bonus. Marca claims that United will likely want to recoup as much money as possible on the defender having signed him for a fee of €20million, though the Red Devils may also be willing to let him go on loan to get him off the wage bill in the interim.
Infact, the La Liga will suit Rojo just fine, as he hasn’t really looked settled in the hustle and bustle of the Premier League, and could do at a place where the pace is less and he can be more settled on the ball. He is a smart player, and marshalls his lines well, something which could be invaluable to the Yellow Submarines as they will look to make a mark in the Champions League next season.
This may entice Rojo to leave Old Trafford, where he is not expected to be in Mourinho’s first team plans. The 26-year-old, along with Daley Blind and Juan Mata, are believed to be fighting for their futures under Mourinho, with Rojo at a distinct disadvantage given he will more than likely miss the pre-season tour of China because of Argentina’s run in the Copa America earlier in the summer.
