While Louis van Gaal has certainly had a positive impact following his appointment as Manchester United manager, the Dutchman has not made the much anticipated splurge in the transfer market, which was expected from him upon his arrival.
United have only completed the signings of Luke Shaw and Ander Herrera so far this summer, but van Gaal has insisted that the two players are technically not even his own acquisitions.
Now with the Premier League campaign set to get underway in less than a week, it has certainly been a surprise to see Van Gaal not having recruited anyone despite the Red Devils being incessantly linked with a host of players.
Louis van Gaal has surprisingly made no signings so far
According to reports in Portugal, United have tabled a bid of around £16 million in an attempt to persuade Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon to part with the left back and it is believed that the Red Devils are confident of landing their man, Marcos Rojo.
However, it can finally be revealed that van Gaal is on the verge of completing his first major signing as the manager of Manchester United in the form of Argentina international Marcos Rojo.
Rojo starred for Argentina during the FIFA World Cup this summer and had consequently attracted the interest of a host of Premier League clubs. Southampton and Liverpool were said to be leading the race to secure the services of Rojo, but United seem to have stolen a march on their rivals and are now looking favourites to sign the defender.
With illustrious names chasing his signature, Rojo is keen on ending his association with Sporting this summer and had reportedly refused to play in a friendly game recently – as a ploy to force a move away from the club.
Marcos Rojo reportedly on his way to United
While it remains to be seen whether or not the transfer will come into fruition, the potential signing of the 24-year old seems like good business for the Red Devils.
Although United have already bought a new left back in the form of Luke Shaw for a whopping £30million, the arrival of Rojo will provide much needed strength in depth to the United squad.
Apart from providing cover for Shaw, Rojo can effectively play as a centre defender as well and his versatility could prove to be an asset – especially after the loss of stalwarts Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra this summer.
