Manchester United will struggle to offload unwanted loanee

Manchester United are set for a massive clear-out this summer.

There has always been something special in left-footed centre-backs. Some believe a solid defensive foundation should possess one right-footed and one left-footed centre-back in the back-line — though some would deny this claim, telling that this is nothing but a conventional myth.

While we are not in the mood to put more emphasis on whether the pair of one right-footed and one left-footed centre-back makes a defence stronger, the Stretford enders would certainly imagine that adding a left-footed centre-back would minimise their defensive frailties.

Louis van Gaal was enduring his finest days as the manager of Manchester United back then. In a deal that cost United €20 million (£16 million) with Nani moving to Sporting CP on a season-long loan, Marcos Rojo landed at ‘The Theater of Dreams’, stating it was a “dream for me” to play for Manchester United.

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Louis van Gaal embraced the left-footed defender by claiming, “Marcos is a very gifted defender. He can play either as a central defender or left-back.” These were just talks, and what followed these talks have been the bitter memories not only for the player but for his admirers as well.

A nearly six-year spell at the Mancunian club — which includes a plethora of criticisms from both the fans and the pundits, long-term injuries, a number of burst-up incidents with the teammates in the training ground, and finally the fruitless consequences of the dream of donning the prestigious red shirt — has never had seen the best of Marcos Rojo — neither as a left-back nor as a centre-back.

And eventually, it might be the perfect time for the club and the player to say goodbye and part their ways. However, amidst the current difficult scenario caused by the coronavirus crisis, things might not go as it was previously planned. Hence, one party might have to compensate.

Recently-emerged reports from Argentina (via Sportwitness) have claimed that Manchester United have put a €20 million price tag on Marcos Rojo, who is currently on loan in Argentina’s top division side Estudiantes.

Manchester United, as a part of their so-called “cultural reboot”, want to get rid of certain names in the upcoming summer transfer window, which also includes that of Marcos Rojo. Yet, as per the claims made by the Argentine media, no club in the country would pay that amount of money for a 30-year-old veteran.

The reports also suggest that Rojo’s agent is in ‘constant contact’ with the Mancunian club, as the player wants to pursue his career at his homeland. Since moving to La Plata last January, Rojo has made one appearance for his childhood club. He would have some more had not the pandemic brought the game to a halt.

And there has been a feeling surrounding the Manchester-based club that a deal would somehow be struck at the end of the day. On the other side of the coin, Solskjaer was found telling to AFC Bournemouth defender Nathan Ake after the final whistle in a Premier League match, “We need a left-footed centre-back, so keeping going.”

Now, given the ongoing financial conundrum that has undoubtedly made the job difficult for United authority, it remains to be seen what lies ahead for both parties.

Next. The four players Utd will sell this summer. dark

Do you think Man United will be able to sign a left-footed centre-back this summer?