Marcos Rojo has turned out to be a surprise for Manchester United. Frozen out in the earlier part of the campaign, he has been a major factor in the club’s revival in form over the last few weeks. Rojo was deemed surplus to requirements when Jose Mourinho took over. The Argentine defender did not play his first league match until October 23 when he was part of the team that lost 4-0 against Chelsea. Few injuries to the likes of Chris Smalling and Eric Bailly from that fateful game lead to Rojo getting his first real action of the season, and he has not looked back since.
Since playing a major role in the 3-1 win over Swansea at the start of November, Rojo has been a virtual first-team regular. However, he is not without his weaknesses and the inability to learn about two-footed lunges remains as one of his biggest weaknesses. Yet, these would not be reasons for a surprise transfer interest surrounding the 26-year-old at this moment in time. Valencia are reportedly interested in the Argentine and are ready to pay around the £14 million for his services according to the Daily Mirror.
One of the primary reasons for their interest is likely to be Manchester United being close to signing Victor Lindelof from Benfica for around £38 million. The arrival of the Swedish defender could reduce the first-team opportunities for Rojo. Mourinho is reportedly keen on pairing Eric Bailly with Lindelof. As a result, the Argentine could once again be relegated to the bench.
Valencia would offer him regular first-team football with the club struggling down near the bottom of the table. It is proving to be a disappointing campaign once again for the former La Liga champions. However, playing for Valencia brings its own prestige and players like Rojo would certainly consider such an opportunity.
The Spanish outfit have taken only 12 points from the 15 matches and are level on points with 18th placed Sporting Gijon.
Rojo was signed by former boss Louis van Gaal from Sporting CP for around £20 million. As a result, a £14 million offer would represent a significant loss for Manchester United. The club may be unable to entertain such an offer at this moment considering that they are building towards the future. A player like Rojo, who is settled at Old Trafford, will be a major positive in the event of an injury to a key player. However, a lot depends on Rojo’s position in the squad after January. Eric Bailly will also have completed his international commitments with Ivory Coast, who will be taking part in the 2017 African Cup of Nations, by then.
