Solskjaer faced with transfer distraction as talks with loan star hit snag
Manchester United face further talks with Estudiantes over Marcos Rojo’s future, despite the defender’s loan move expiring on Tuesday, according to a report.
Rojo, who made only nine appearances for United before the turn of the year, moved back to Argentina in January.
The 30-year-old only played one game for Estudiantes, though, owing to injury and the global pandemic.
The defender is scheduled to return to Old Trafford, after both clubs failed to seal a new agreement before the expiry of his current loan at the end of June.
Indeed, Estudiantes also decided not to activate the purchase option in Rojo‘s loan deal.
However, El Dia claims the South American side have not given up hope of reaching a new deal.
The Argentina-based club instead want to agree another short-term loan with United for Rojo and want to extend talks into July.
The move presents a snag for United, who would have hoped to clear up Rojo’s future before the end of June.
Rojo is unlikely to work his way back into Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s plans.
Indeed, if United cannot reach an agreement, they are likely to sell the defender amid his contract nearing expiry.
Solskjaer has settled on Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof as his ideal centre-back pairing.
Eric Bailly has also returned to fitness in recent weeks and will be a key player for the Red Devils.
Alongside Rojo, however, Chris Smalling‘s future is also unclear. Roma have extended his loan deal until the end of the protracted Serie A campaign but his future thereafter is unclear.
NEVILLE CALLS ON SOLSKJAER TO FIND MORE GOALS
Elsewhere, Phil Neville says United’s front three need to produce better goalscoring form.
Solskjaer’s side have won their past two Premier League fixtures 3-0, the latest against Brighton on Tuesday.
Mason Greenwood scored against the Seagulls to follow up Anthony Martial’s hat-trick last Wednesday.
But Neville believes Greenwood, Martial and Marcus Rashford need to find more goals.