Rojo a Red Devil

By Chris
August 19 2014

Manchester United are to sign Argentinean defender Marcos Rojo from Sporting Lisbon, with Nani heading in the opposite direction on loan.

Subject to formalities, Rojo is to move to Old Trafford in a deal thought be worth approximately £16million.

The 24-year-old, who can play at centre-half or left-back, was recently disciplined by Sporting, after refusing to train amid reports of a move to Lancashire being in the offing.

United's defensive frailties were clear to see during the weekend's defeat against Swansea, so the arrival of Rojo is an encouraging and necessary development.

Following the departure of Patrice Evra, Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand, there will be much pressure on the Argentinean, who played in the 2014 World Cup final, to plug the gaps in United's backline.

As part of the deal, Nani has joined Sporting Lisbon on a season-long loan, and will be hoping to lease new life into his career in his native Portugal.

He's amassed an impressive 229 appearances for United, netting 36 times, but a lack of consistency has always been a problem for Nani, and he may now have played his final game for the club.

Welcome Rojo. Farewell Nani.