If there is one thing that Manchester United have been clamoring for all summer is a few more quality defenders. Louis Van Gaal’s insistence on playing a 3-4-1-2 means that not only does he need at least a couple of center backs but also needs wing-backs who have the energy to run up and down the field all game long.
While it isn’t particularly difficult to find a decent center back who will fit into the club’s current system, the task of finding a wing back isn’t all that simple. After all, it is a position that very few in world football are able to call their own, particularly due to the demand it has on the body. Case in point being Manchester United’s Luke Shaw.
The teenager was signed from Southampton amidst a lot of hoopla but has himself admitted that he isn’t physically fit enough to handle the rigors of being a wing back. His desire to become fitter meant that he had to train alone and eventually led to him being out for a month with an injury arising from training.
So the news that Manchester United have sealed the signature of Argentine left-back Marcos Rojo from Sporting Lisbon for £16m is certainly great news for the Red Devils. The acquisition of the 24-year-old defender is a great coup for United considered what he brings to the table.
While there are very few world class wing backs in Europe at the moment, fewer still can moonlight as a central defender in addition to being a wing back. In Marcos Rojo, the Red Devils have snapped up a player who is capable of doing just that. Although Rojo spent the best part of the last 12 months playing as a left back for both club and country, on occasions, he has shown that he is equally capable of slotting in as a left-sided central defender.
Standing at over 6’1, Rojo is well-built to deal with the pressure that comes along with playing either as a full back or as a center half. Good in the air, strong in the tackle, quick and possessing a good passing range, Rojo is everything you would need in your ideal wing back. Not only is he quick to sniff out danger, he is also excellent in ensuring that he is always at the right place at the right time.
On top of his defensive abilities, one thing Rojo excels at is going forward and contributing in attack. While he may not always the score the goals, his crossing and ability to pick a precise pass makes him a valuable asset going forward. From time to time, he has been known to score some wonder goals, something that might just come in handy, in his bid to win over the fans.
Aside from his defensive abilities and his threat going forward, there is one thing that Rojo has that will endear him to the United faithful. And that is the fact that he is a live wire on the pitch. While he might always be the most composed player on the pitch, what he does is put his heart on his sleeve every time he enters the pitch and that is certainly something that the supporters. Something the last Argentinian defender the club signed was really good at.
Although Rojo might not feature highly when it comes to the finest full backs of his generation, what he brings to United is something unique. The club have been clamoring for a left-footed center back for a while now and in Rojo they have someone who play as both a center back and a wing back. His versatility is something that will endear him to the coach as well.
Add to his qualities, the fact that he is only 24, means that the club have someone who is not only versatile and experienced but also pretty young. At just £16 million the club have their hands on a player who will not only fit into their style of play but also, more importantly someone who wants to be at Old Trafford. Working under Van Gaal will give Rojo the perfect opportunity to blossom and nurture his talent and that is something that bodes well for both the club and the player.