Yet another United defender has been ruled out with injury…
Manchester United’s injury problems have continued, with Louis Van Gaal confirming today that Marcos Rojo could be out for up to 12 weeks.
The worst case scenario is around three months out, meaning that Rojo would not return till the end of January or early February. This puts serious pressure on Manchester United’s remaining defenders, most of whom are young, inexperienced, and themselves injured.
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United finished last week’s Manchester derby with a back four consisting of Antonio Valencia, Luke Shaw, Michael Carrick and Paddy McNair. Even the defenders United are missing: Tyler Blackett, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Rafael; aren’t reliable senior players.
Argentina international Rojo has been Manchester United’s only available senior centre-back for much of the season, and has not convinced. This can be put down to ever-changing cast of partners who play alongside him, but a long period out won’t help his form.
“We don’t need to operate on him, which is a relief,” Van Gaal is quoted as saying by ITV Sport. “With this injury it is very difficult that it shall not happen again. And that is the problem.
“Yesterday evening a specialist said a conservative way to heal it is maybe best. We have always a risk that it happens again.
“Conservatively, it can be less than six weeks. If we have to operate, 12 weeks.”
Louis Van Gaal’s failure to shore-up his side’s defences has drawn criticism from various pundits, but the manager insists that he will not spend money on more players in January. Instead, he will give a chance to youngsters Tyler Blackett and Paddy McNair, both of whom have impressed when forced to fill in this season.