Van Gaal lauds Rojo and his ‘fast pass’

Matthew Briggs

Louis van Gaal says Manchester United defender Marcos Rojo has the potential to be a “very good player” for the club.

Van Gaal and Rojo have not always enjoyed the best of relationships at Old Trafford, with the Argentina defender missing the tour of the United States after failing to renew his passport before angering his manager again for not warning the United medical staff about an injury.

Rojo, who signed for United from Sporting Lisbon for £16million last summer, has only made two Premier League starts, but he started Saturday’s 3-0 win over Everton and Van Gaal is happy with the defenders progress.

“I didn’t know that he played for Spartak but I have seen him in the World Cup in Brazil and he did it very well and he played also for Sporting Lisbon. There I have analysed him,” said Van Gaal.

“What I like is that he is physically a very strong guy, a good header and his pass is fast.

“That we need, always. There is the potential in him to be a very good player for Manchester United.”

Wayne Rooney, meanwhile, said he’s expecting Rojo to play a key role this season, especially after Luke Shaw’s injury.

He added: “He is a fantastic player and a fantastic team-mate. He is a player who is very tough to get around. For him to be from Argentina and play in the Premier League is not easy but he has done a great job.

“He will be a very important player for us for the rest of the season.”