Manchester United currently have seven first-team centre-backs in their squad, and they could have the same number by the time the transfer window shuts for the rest of the European leagues. Argentine centre-back Marcos Rojo, who United tried to sell to Everton on deadline day in the recently-concluded transfer window, could stay at Old Trafford, as per manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The United manager has said that he would call-up the 29-year-old Argentine international if he is required to replace Harry Maguire or Victor Lindelof. Rojo, who played several games in pre-season for the club, was not in the squad for United’s first game of the season against Chelsea. The signing of Maguire has pushed Rojo down the pecking order, despite the fact that central defender Eric Bailly is out for a few months due to a knee injury.
Rojo has himself suffered numerous injuries, having missed nearly 20 games last season, and 34 games in the 2017-18 season. The Argentine has played 113 games for the club in five seasons.
Should United keep him at the club?
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has far too many options at centre back, with the two clearly leading the line being Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof, at the moment. United fans have been frustrated with the form and fitness of Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, and Marcos Rojo, who have all been poor over the last few seasons under various managers.
At 29 years of age, and with just two years remaining on his contract, United should try to sell Rojo at the earliest as he has not delivered over the last few seasons for the club, while also being on the sidelines for a lengthy duration of time due to injuries.
Manchester United have tried to sell him in the past, including the recent transfer window (as per Manchester Evening News), but there have been no takers for Rojo, with Everton only wanting him on loan. United should send Rojo on loan and get him off the wage bill, while also agree to a transfer fee at the expiry of the loan deal. Solskjaer is building a young squad for the long haul as clearly seen by his two starting XIs in the first two games of the season, and he needs to get rid of underachieving performers like Rojo at the earliest.
Being ruthless is the need of the hour if United are to rediscover their dominance in the league.
