---
title: "van Gaal defends Rojo"
canonical: "https://readmanutd.com/2015/10/20/van-gaal-defends-rojo/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
section: "Man Utd Match Previews"
published: "2015-10-20T19:39:34Z"
modified: "2015-10-20T19:39:34Z"
---

# van Gaal defends Rojo

Louis van Gaal has shielded Manchester United defender Marcos Rojo from criticism, stating that the Argentinian has “great potential” to become a good player for the Reds.

In the pre-match press conference at the Arena Khimki before United’s Champions League clash with CSKA Moscow tomorrow night, a question on Rojo was asked by a Russian journalist, who was clearly not impressed by Rojo’s spell with CSKA’s city rivals Spartak.

van Gaal responded: “I didn’t know that he played for Spartak Moscow, but I saw him in the World Cup in Brazil when he played for Argentina very well. I analysed him at Sporting Lisbon. What I like is that he is physically a very strong guy, he is a good header and his pass is fast.

> I think there is great potential in him to become a very good player for Manchester United.

![Alex Broadway/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readmanutd.com/readmanutd/2015/10/4892999361.jpg)

United captain Wayne Rooney, who was sat alongside his manager in the pre-match press conference, also praised Rojo, saying: “For me, he is a fantastic player and a fantastic team-mate. He is a player who is very tough to get around.

> For him to be from Argentina and play in the Premier League is not easy but he has done a great job. He will be a very important player for us for the rest of the season.

Rojo has only recently recovered from a hamstring injury, and delivered a fine performance against Everton at the weekend, setting up Ander Herrera’s goal at Goodison Park with a pinpoint cross. He may have gotten into van Gaal’s bad books with his passport issues during United’s pre-season tour, but these comments show that the Dutchman still retains faith in the 25-year old.