Marcos Rojo Proving A Short-Term Positive For Manchester United

Joe Devine | January 17, 2017 | 1 Comment

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Of the fringe groups in Manchester United’s squad last season, perhaps the fewest expected Marcos Rojo to find form and consistency in the starting eleven under Jose Mourinho. His current partner, Phil Jones, was widely tipped for one final chance to overcome his injury problems and earn regular playing time for the club – and the arrival of Eric Bailly, the growth of Timothy Fosu-Mensah, and the solid performances of Daley Blind and Chris Smalling firmly planted Rojo as close to last in line.

Since arriving at Old Trafford in 2014, Rojo’s overall performance has been rather inconsistent, and often below par. Early on, prior to the fading of his post-World Cup momentum, Rojo stimulated supporters with his fierce attitude and commitment, yet as results soured and the team began to struggle, Rojo appeared to lose interest; his fierceness turned to recklessness, and he sloped about the pitch like blunt cutlery. Naturally, the Argentina international found a regular spot on the bench, at times, deputising for Blind, a deputy himself.

Earlier this season, when injuries swept the Red Devils’ central defence, supporters were therefore understandably nervous about the sudden and heavy reliance on Rojo. Yet, some weeks later, the centre-back has largely restored fans’ faith, and more importantly, has found trust in Mourinho. Testament to this was that Rojo was rested against Hull City in the League Cup semi-final – alongside many of the first team players – and reinstituted for United’s weekend game against Liverpool.

Asides from Bailly, who is with Ivory Coast at AFCON, Manchester United’s only official injury is James Wilson; Rojo is keeping his place in the starting line-up due to his form, rather than the injuries of others. It has also been reported that, due to the performances of Jones and Rojo, Mourinho reversed his plans to search for an additional centre-back in the January transfer window.

What’s perhaps most interesting about Rojo’s recent trajectory is that he is, in ways, inferior to both Smalling and Blind. Asides from physicality, Blind produces performances more akin to a total defender, with higher averages in all of tackles, blocks and interceptions whilst also fouling less. Smalling’s physicality (and, frankly, his height) is superior, averaging a significantly greater average of aerial duels won. Yet, Rojo does one thing very, very well. He clears the ball. Per WhoScored, Rojo has averaged 7.6 clearances per game in the Premier League this season, with Blind and Smalling both averaging 4.6. Perhaps last season, under Louis Van Gaal, Smalling and Blind were favoured for their ability to ‘intelligently’ defend, to play out from the back. Mourinho seems to be adopting for a slightly different approach, and in Rojo, he’s found a player who’s an expert in getting the ball away from danger areas, by whatever means necessary.

To criticise Rojo overtly would be unfair, for he has clearly earned his current position within the team. Yet, looking forward, it is unlikely that the Argentinian will, at 26, significantly develop an entirely disregarded side of his game, and evolve into the total defender that any team hoping to compete for top honours likely needs. Rojo is serving a purpose, and doing a fine job of it, but his long-term future undoubtedly lies outside of Manchester United’s central-two; ultimately, he just isn’t good enough.

In a way, this notion speaks further to his character, and more importantly, to the ability of his coach. Mourinho, criticised for losing his last dressing room, has found a groove at Manchester United. His presence has infused the squad with confidence; the confidence that earns teams 16-match unbeaten runs. Rojo is a benefactor of that, and an active participant. He’s always lacked concentration and focus, and motivation – both internal and external – is a huge part of his game, as witnessed at several points in his career, including his inclusion in World Cup 2014’s ‘Team of the Tournament’, and more to the point, his rejuvenation under Mourinho. Rojo’s presence in the starting eleven is both a testament to his, and to his coach’s characters.