Marcos Rojo makes a pass during the UEFA Europa League group L match between Partizan Belgrade and Manchester United. (Getty Images)
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Man Utd fighting tooth and nail to block this £16m star’s January exit makes absolute sense – Agreed?

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Why Man United would do a good job by blocking Marcos Rojo’s New Year exit

According to a report from The Sun, Manchester United are set to block a January exit for defender Marcos Rojo.

Marcos Rojo, 29, has fallen down the pecking order at Manchester United and he looked set to leave the club in the summer transfer window. The Argentinean international saw a deadline day move to Everton collapse.

The 29-year-old, who joined for £16m, made just two league starts last season. He failed to win over boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in pre-season and the arrival of Harry Maguire has only pushed him further to the periphery of the club.

Marcos Rojo in action for Manchester United. (Getty Images)
Marcos Rojo in action for Manchester United. (Getty Images)

However, the report adds Everton could come back with an offer in January after failing to meet United’s £25m summer valuation of the defender. That said, Solskjaer must not sanction Rojo’s exit. Doing so would severely limit his defensive options.

Solskjaer had seven centre-back options at his disposal (when?) in Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Axel Tuanzebe, Phil Jones, Eric Bailly, Chris Smalling and Rojo.

However, with Bailly being a long-term absentee through injury and Smalling out on a season-long loan with AS Roma, the Argentine has been given chances to impress.

And the 29-year-old has done well in the seven appearances he has made across all competitions so far this term. He played in the recent Carabao Cup victory over Chelsea and even though United conceded, with Michy Batshuayi scoring for the hosts, Rojo had a solid evening.

What sets apart Rojo from the likes of Maguire, Lindelof and Jones is his versatility to play in different positions across the backline.

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Marcos Rojo reacts during the 2018 FIFA World Cup group D match between Nigeria and Argentina. (Getty Images)
Marcos Rojo reacts during the 2018 FIFA World Cup group D match between Nigeria and Argentina. (Getty Images)

Chances of regular first-team football this campaign will continue to come at a premium for Rojo, as Solskjaer has preferred the centre-back pairing of Maguire and Lindelof.

However, with the Europa League and FA Cup games set to come thick and fast in January, the Red Devils boss will have to rotate his squad to keep his players fresh. For that reason, United cannot afford to let the Argentine leave in the New Year.

Verdict

Thus, it’ll be sensible on United’s part to keep hold of Rojo, at least for this season.