Marcos Rojo has had an uneven spell at Manchester United since his arrival from Sporting Lisbon last summer, but Louis van Gaal says he believes in the defender as a quality player.
The Argentina international has been in and out of the United line-up at times, though he did make 20 Premier League starts last season. With his national team he is a mainstay though, featuring at this summer’s Copa America and the World Cup last year.
Rojo returns to Moscow, where he once played for Spartak Moscow, with United for Wednesday’s Champions League clash against CSKA Moscow, and Van Gaal bristled at the suggestion is not realising his potential at United.
“I didn’t know that he played for Spartak but I have seen him in the World Cup in Brazil and he did it very well and he played also for Sporting Lisbon, there I have analysed him,” Van Gaal said of Rojo.
“What I like is that he is physically a very strong guy, a good header and his pass is fast.
“That we need, always. There is the potential in him to be a very good player for Manchester United.”
Meanwhile the Manchester derby may be five days away, but City already have an advantage over United according to Van Gaal.
United and City meet for the first time this season on Sunday at Old Trafford.
Much more than pride is at stake. If Arsenal drop points against Everton and United beat City, they will move back to the top of the Premier League.
The bad news for Van Gaal is that he has had to take his team on an eight-hour round trip to the Russian capital for the Champions League clash while City take on Sevilla at home.
“Every club at the top of the league has the same problems. But now Manchester City has a benefit because they are playing at home and that is a difference,” the United manager said.
"You have the benefit of the recuperation. Manchester City don't have the travel we have so they have more rest.
“There is nothing you can do. They have the benefit.
“We do a lot of things to try and help. We have cold baths, we have warm baths, less training sessions and practice so the freshness is good enough to beat City. But first we have to beat Moscow.”
United made the 1,600-mile journey east on Tuesday – the night before they face Group B rivals CSKA.
To help their recovery, the squad will stay in Russia on Wednesday night, rather than travel home straight after the match, as is customary.
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