[Invictus]

You could call it an argy bargy.

But isn't that too aggressive of a term both in usage and enunciation ? "Kerfuffle" just sounds so.. I dunno.. Cuddly and soft.. Like a fluffy little muppet..

It's an Englishism. I use it a lot. Legacy of 11 years spent in Blighty.

Ah I see. Will be on the lookout for more of those.

 

[Nytram Shakes]

We could have Rojo, Shaw, Blind, Herrera, Di Maria and Falcao playing against QPR. Ha. That's incredible. I'd like to say how unlucky it is for QPR, but knowing us we'll scrape a 1-1 draw.

is shaw gonna be fit?

 

[RexHamilton]

is shaw gonna be fit?

I heard he was out for four weeks originally or am I wrong? That will have passed by the time the QPR game is to be played. I'm just assuming. Stand to be corrected.

 

[RedSRM]

I heard he was out for four weeks originally or am I wrong? That will have passed by the time the QPR game is to be played. I'm just assuming. Stand to be corrected.

I read an article the other day (can't remember which paper but it wasn't something crap like The Star) which said that he was likely to be available for QPR. It looks like all our players (apart from Carrick and Rafael?) will be available for the next game. Good to see Rojo getting a run out yesterday considering he's not been involved for Utd over the last couple of weeks.

 

[El-Manos]

is shaw gonna be fit?

I believe he's back in training already.

 

[Acole9]

Been keeping himself fit whilst all this nonsense with his work permit has been going on.

 

[Nytram Shakes]

I heard he was out for four weeks originally or am I wrong? That will have passed by the time the QPR game is to be played. I'm just assuming. Stand to be corrected.

yeah i heard four weeks too, i think that takes us up to the QPR game so would train after that game.... but....

I believe he's back in training already.

would be great if thats true where did you hear it?

 

[izec]

yeah i heard four weeks too, i think that takes us up to the QPR game so would train after that game.... but....
would be great if thats true where did you hear it?

i thought i read something in the daily mail....

 

[The Red Thinker]

yeah i heard four weeks too, i think that takes us up to the QPR game so would train after that game.... but....
would be great if thats true where did you hear it?

He was training with us all the while till about the last early last week. He can play now.

 

[gasmanc]

Get in, so were going yo have 4 debutants available for QPR.

 

[Nytram Shakes]

He was training with us all the while till about the last early last week. He can play now.

We were talking about shaw

 

[The Red Thinker]

We were talking about shaw

Epic... fail...

 

[ghagua]

Great to see him get his work permit. Cannot wait for the game against QPR to see what formation LvG uses.

 

[Nytram Shakes]

Epic... fail...

Why?

 

[tom porter]

I have a good feeling about this signing. It's always great to see a lad over the moon to sign for the club as well.

 

[The Red Thinker]

Why?

That's for me...

 

[Nytram Shakes]

That's for me...

Right ..... Good chat .... Have a biscuit!

 

[The Red Thinker]

Right ..... Good chat .... Have a biscuit!

I... did.

 

[Nytram Shakes]

I... did.

Was it........ Good?

 

[SammyUnited_83]

Weren't we involved with something like this before?, i seem to have a memory from years ago where we signed some player and he couldn't play for ages because of something stupid that we didn't pick up on.

Yeah, Bebe. We failed to pick up he was shit.

 

[arjwiz]

Yeah, Bebe. We failed to pick up he was shit.

Manucho? Dong Fangzhuo?

 

[Scorpy]

Rojo: "I am desperate to get onto the field and play because I have not been able to step onto Old Trafford [yet]. I am very happy to be at Manchester United, a top team in the world, sharing a dressing room with players like Wayne Rooney, Robin Van Persie, Angel Di Maria and now Radamel 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."

Great stuff from the lad. Great attitude.

 

[united_99]

Rojo: "I am desperate to get onto the field and play because I have not been able to step onto Old Trafford [yet]. I am very happy to be at Manchester United, a top team in the world, sharing a dressing room with players like Wayne Rooney, Robin Van Persie, Angel Di Maria and now Radamel 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."

Great stuff from the lad. Great attitude.

Yep, I love him already and he hasn't even played a single minute for us. A bit crazy, transfer muppet, says great things about United, already bought his wife and daughter a United kit oh and not bad at football, what's there not to like!

 

[JohnnyLaw]

watched his compilation vs Germany, got me quite excited! Can't wait to see him play next week.

 

[devil in me]

I can see this lad being a real cult hero. Seems delighted to be here and clearly a bit mental - great combination!

 

[LR7]

Rojo reaping rewards of keeping the faith

Etched on the Argentina flag printed on the left shinpad of Marcos Rojo at the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ were the words “El que abandona no tiene premio” (There are no prizes awarded for giving up). It is a motto that neatly sums up a hard-working and humble defender who, having cut his teeth on a little pitch in a disadvantaged area of La Plata, continued to go to training on his bicycle even after turning professional for local side Estudiantes de La Plata.

It was just five years ago that Rojo was still living with his family in a modest wooden abode, yet the versatile 24-year-old never thought about giving up on his dream – a level of persistence that has since led to an influential role in La Albiceleste’s run to the Final of Brazil 2014 and a subsequent big-money move to Manchester United. Such a development must taste even sweeter given the criticism directed towards the alleged defensive frailties of Alejandro Sabella’s Argentina in the build-up to the World Cup, with Rojo one of those most under fire.

The experienced coach’s support never wavered, however, perhaps unsurprisingly when you consider that, though Marquitos made his first-team debut for Estudiantes aged 18 under Roberto Sensini, it was under Sabella the following year that Rojo began earning regular playing time. Struggling to fill the left wing-back role in his 5-3-2 formation, the supremo wisely chose to turn toLos Pincharratas’ youth system for a solution.

And despite Rojo being primarily used as a central defender during his rise up Estudiantes’ junior ranks, Sabella felt he had the right ingredients to also make the left flank his own. “When I was very little I would play on the left side of midfield too,” explained Rojo. “I used to enjoy getting forward and finishing off moves.”

Putting family first
Having played his part in helping El Pincha triumph in the Copa Libertadores in 2009, Rojo used his prize money to buy his family their first solidly constructed house, a lifelong dream come true. “Why don’t you have a car yet?” experienced Estudiantes midfielder Rodrigo Brana had asked a cycling Rojo, when the pair crossed paths on the way to training a few months before that Copa win. “Because I’ve not got a house yet either,” was Rojo’s memorable riposte.

The first son of Marcos Alberto, nowadays still working as a lorry driver, and Carina, a former household help and dressmaker – the latter skill acquired in order to make clothes for her five children, had only one goal in mind: to save enough money to buy a proper home for his family. The dream achieved, his impressive rise continued: Rojo playing the full extra-time period of Estudiantes’ narrow FIFA Club World Cup final defeat versus Barcelona in December 2009, during which he impressively shackled Swedish superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Soon one of the first names on the Estudiantes’ team-sheet, next up for the Rojo-Sabella tandem came victory in the Argentinian Apertura 2010, the left-footer underlining his all-round ability by also weighing in with vital goals. At the age of just 20 came the opportunity of a move abroad, Rojo left his beloved El Pincha – whose every game he still watches wherever he may be – to sign on the dotted line for Spartak Moscow.

I did feel that my place was being questioned, there was an awful lot said about me, but I always believed in myself.
Marcos Rojo on criticism levelled at him by the media and fans on his place in the Argentina defence

Though handed frequent first-team opportunities, the switch eventually turned sour due to a disagreement with coach Valeri Karpin. Selected to represent Argentina at the Copa America 2011, Karpin asked him not to go, whereupon Rojo went anyway – thus meaning he would barely play for Spartak again until Sporting Lisbon handed him an escape route in 2012.

It was around the same time that Sabella took up the Argentina reins, soon installing Rojo as his favoured left-back despite the player having returned to central defence at Sporting. Even after appearing a total of ten times in qualifying, as La Albiceleste impressed on the way to clinching a place in Brazil, fans and media at large appeared unable to fathom Sabella’s depth of faith in him.

In the midst of the worst spell of criticism, Rojo had ‘Pride’ and ‘Glory’ tattooed onto his quads, and ordered the aforementioned shinpads. “I did feel that my place was being questioned, there was an awful lot said about me, but I always believed in myself,” he said. “I knew that if I kept putting in the hard work then everything would turn out all right.”

‘Rojo is greater than Pele’
In Argentina’s World Cup opener versus Bosnia and Herzegovina, it was his flick-on that led to Sead Kolasinac putting through his own net for La Albiceleste’s first goal, while he also made a spectacular clearance later in the game. His name running wild on social media sites in Argentina, partly in mocking disbelief and partly admiration, it was the start of a love affair between the player and fans.

Strong and aggressive in the tackle, a powerful aerial presence in both areas, comfortable bringing the ball out and willing to push forward into attack – Rojo’s World Cup was taking fine shape. Scorer of a goal with his knee against Nigeria in the team’s final group game, the strike capped a fine first phase for the defender – cue the media and social networks again being awash with his name.

There was even a version of the famous song Brasil, decime qué se siente (Brazil, tell me how it feels) dedicated entirely to him, the last line a remarkable turnaround from the pre-tournament vitriol: “A Marquitos vas a ver, la Copa nos va a traer, Marcos Rojo es más grande que Pelé” (Just wait and see, Marquitos will bring us back the World Cup. Marcos Rojo is greater than Pele).

Ruled out of the quarter-final tie versus Belgium due to suspension, an absence that had his legions of new fans fearing the worst, come the semi-final against the Netherlands, Rojo not only marked Arjen Robben out of the game but also found time to nutmeg the Dutch superstar, much to the delight of Albicelestes everywhere. And after the Final against Germany, Rojo ended the tournament as the only Argentinian in the top ten of the Castrol Index – as well as being selected in the team of the tournament.

Finally awarded a UK work permit, Rojo should shortly make his competitive debut for Manchester United, for whom he was signed on the direct request of the Red Devils’ new boss Louis van Gaal. After seeing him up close during the aforementioned semi at Brazil 2014, the Dutch strategist clearly liked what he saw.

“I’ve not been able to go to Old Trafford yet, but I’m desperate to get out on that pitch and play,” said Rojo. And though finding himself in this situation would have been virtually inconceivable as a young lad playing on the La Manito de Dios pitch, in La Plata’s El Triunfo neighbourhood, Marcos Rojo never gives up. The prizes, therefore, have kept on coming…
http://www.fifa.com/world-match-cen...mier-league-2000000000/news/newsid/243/647/9/

I think he'll be a fan favourite soon. I love the idea of Rafael, Jones and Rojo in the back line. All three of them are uncompromising and will fight for every ball and give everything on the pitch.

 

[ADJUDICATOR]

Why is him being "a bit mental" a good thing? Alarming number of people chiming with that addition.

 

[Relevated]

Why is him being "a bit mental" a good thing? Alarming number of people chiming with that addition.

becauses hes man utd and he'll do what he wants.

Seriously though, its probably because people think he'll fight to death for every loose ball and he'll put in some great tackles.

 

[LR7]

Why is him being "a bit mental" a good thing? Alarming number of people chiming with that addition.

Vidic was a bit mental:

It's not a bad quality for a defender when you know they will fight for everything and leave nothing on the pitch.

 

[kotha]

Vidic was a bit mental:

Spoiler

It's not a bad quality for a defender when you know they will fight for everything and leave nothing on the pitch.

I miss Vidic.

 

[ADJUDICATOR]

Maybe I'm just behind on the term. 'Mental' to me suggests irrationality, there's a difference between that and determination or being committed.

 

[Henrik Larsson]

I think he'll be a fan favourite soon. I love the idea of Rafael, Jones and Rojo in the back line. All three of them are uncompromising and will fight for every ball and give everything on the pitch.

I was just thinking about that. The day we play with Rafael, Jones, Rojo and Shaw at the back will be insane. Or loco. Don't know how well it'll work out. They could be very very very wild and all, making very stupid errors. But those four combined with the likes of Di Maria, Rooney, RVP, Falcao, Mata, etc. will surely lead to something very special. Performing consistently immediately, I'm not too sure about that, but it will be extremely spectacular.

Can't wait for it to happen.

 

[Invictus]

De Gea, Rafael, Jones, Rojo and Shaw have really big boots to fill. Sometimes the reality of us not having their predecessors kicks in hard.

 

[Kill 'em all]

De Gea, Rafael, Jones, Rojo and Shaw have really big boots to fill. Sometimes the reality of us not having their predecessors kicks in hard.

I think Shaw has what it takes to show he is an improvement on Evra of last season over the next couple of years and depending on how he keeps developing, he may even be able to surpass Evra at his peak but the worrying thing is there's still a big question mark on the others.

 

[ravelston]

It's an Englishism. I use it a lot. Legacy of 11 years spent in Blighty.

It's Scottish.

 

[The Red Thinker]

Maybe I'm just behind on the term. 'Mental' to me suggests irrationality, there's a difference between that and determination or being committed.

Mental in England can often be used affectionately. Much like sayinf good ol' Roy Keane was a bit of a 'nutter'.

 

[Joga Bonito]

Why is him being "a bit mental" a good thing? Alarming number of people chiming with that addition.

Our backline is missing a commanding no-nonsense figure like Vidic or even Rio. Ferdinand was extremely composed, assured, calculated and was never too aggressive or rash in his game and tackling but he had a sense of command and control over his area which belied his calm demeanour. Strikers didn't quite enjoy coming up against him as he basically had everything and was in control of the situation without necessarily being fierce. He could turn it up if he wanted to mind you, but it just wasn't his style.

As of now our defence looks rather fragile and weak. Evans, Jones, Smalling and Blakcett aren't exactly the authoritative commanding presences that our defence is screaming out for. Jones is more rash than commanding imo, although with age and experience he could grow into this role. Strikers nowdays are just itching to have a go at our shoddy and shaky defence nowdays and the fear-factor seems to have vanished. That is exactly why people feel being a 'bit mental' is a good thing because our defence really needs someone like that. Someone bullish who can take control of our defence, organise it and lead/inspire the others. Rojo looks like he has the mentality and qualities to do exactly that. Whether he is good enough and can cut it at this level remains to be seen but I certainly have high hopes for him.

No one wants a rash nutter like Sergio Ramos or Pepe but we could certainly use a bit of fieriness and bloody-mindedness that Rojo could provide. However, with these type of players, you have the possibility of them going over-board or lashing out times ala the old Rooney but that is the baggage that you have to deal with. Rojo has an extremely poor disciplinary record which is indicative of this. LVG is experienced enough and would be able to tutor Rojo into cutting out unwanted elements from his game whilst Rojo should naturally grow better with experience in this regard.

 

[Lennon7]

Maybe I'm just behind on the term. 'Mental' to me suggests irrationality, there's a difference between that and determination or being committed.

Mental: Does what he wants when he wants. Hard as feck. Never backs out of challenges and sticks his head infront of anything.

Sentence: "look at that mental cnt shagging the queen"

 

[rotherham_red]

I'm just gonna say it here: I think he will surprise a heck of a lot of people this season. Has had a good World Cup in a unfamiliar role after an impressive season at Sporting at CB. For £16m, I think we have got ourselves a bargain here, and in combination with Blind, I think our team will look a whole lot more solid. One more world class midfielder and CB (or Evans growing into the role next to Rojo) and our squad will be looking a whole lot stronger, IMO.

 

[Devil may care]

He's a fighter, that much is clear, but I am glad to hear him described as humble as well. I think he'll bring some steel into the side and into the defense that is now Vidic-less.