Zimpapers Logo

MARCOS ROJO could be one of three Manchester United debutants against Queens Park Rangers next week after finally securing a working visa following last month’s £16m transfer from Sporting Lisbon. The 24-year-old Argentine has been forced to sit on the sidelines since completing his move due to a protracted visa application process as United have struggled to secure a first victory under Louis van Gaal.

But with the UK Border Agency confirming yesterday that Rojo has been granted the required paperwork to play for the club, the defender is now in line to make his debut alongside fellow new signings Radamel Falcao and Daley Blind in the Old Trafford fixture against QPR on September 14. Due to an unresolved police investigation in his native Argentina surrounding an alleged altercation with a neighbour in 2010, Rojo’s clearance to play had been delayed until the UK authorities had assessed all relevant information relating to the matter. But after playing for Argentina against Germany in Dusseldorf on Wednesday, Rojo was handed his clearance to play after returning to Lisbon to collect his documentation.

Rojo, speaking to Argentine media, insisted he is now determined to grasp the opportunity of playing for United after being handed the number five shirt vacated by Rio Ferdinand.

“I am desperate to get onto the field and play because I have not been able to step onto Old Trafford,” Rojo said.
“My has life changed a lot. I am very happy to be at Manchester United, a top team in the world, sharing a dressing room with players like Rooney, Van Persie, Di Maria and now Falcao.

“This is a very important step in my career as a player and as a person. Everything that has happened to me since the World Cup has been a dream.” — The Telegraph