Rojo Targets Left-back Stay

Marcos Rojo is determined to nail down the left-back position at Manchester United in Luke Shaw’s absence – although he admits it is not the way he hoped to regain his starting place.

Shaw had made a brilliant start to the 2015/16 season but unfortunately suffered a horrific double fracture of the leg during the UEFA Champions League defeat at PSV Eindhoven in September.

It is an injury that will probably rule the England international out for the rest of the campaign, despite Louis van Gaal stating the 20-year-old has shown signs of progress in his rehabilitation.

In contrast, Rojo missed the first seven matches following a taxing summer at the Copa America and coincidentally made his first appearance when replacing Shaw in Holland. After a run of sporadic outings, the no.5 has since become a regular in the team by starting the last six matches in all competitions.

During an exclusive interview with the matchday programme for the 1-0 win over CSKA Moscow, Rojo was asked if he can cement the position with Shaw a long-term absentee. “Yes, I’m going to put in all the work necessary so I can be on form to help out the team in that position,” Marcos told United Review.

“What happened to Luke is a real shame and a player never likes to get into the starting team as a result of an injury to a team-mate, but that has been the case with me and now I have to get my head down and work hard in that role.”

Speaking of hard work on the training ground, Rojo also admits to focusing on his crossing and hopes to improve as the season goes on. “Yes, I have, because I always used to play more as a centre-half,” he said.

“When it was time to move over and play at full-back, I had to work at it, both for club and country. It’s something I continue to work on in training, so I can keep on improving. Crossing the ball well, getting to the byline and helping to finish off a move are all key things I need to do in my position.

“Without a doubt, I have a lot ahead of me to experience in the game. But I try to play every game in the same way, dong my absolute best whoever the opponents are. The manager has said I still have a lot more I can show as a player, and he is someone who is very knowledgeable about the game. All I try to do is train hard every day and keep growing and learning a little bit more.”