Marcos Rojo: The deal Sheffield United must strike if they still want to sign Manchester United star

With manager Chris Wilder making an experienced replacement for the injured Jack O’Connell his top priority during the January window, members of Bramall Lane’s hierarchy are known to view the Manchester United centre-half as a person of interest after contemplating a move for him earlier this year.

Although that did not materialise, with Wilder choosing to pursue Terence Kongolo, previously of Huddersfield Town, and Preston North End’s Ben Davies instead, Rojo could re-emerge as a target if other names on the list of options Wilder has presented to United’s board prove unobtainable.

However, with the 30-year-old thought to earn around £80,000 a week at Old Trafford, despite not playing a game for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side since November 2019, officials in the North-West would almost certainly be required to subsidise a percentage of the player’s salary in order for him to become a viable option.

A pivotal figure in the 3-5-2 system which has become their trademark under Wilder, O’Connell’s absence has been a major factor behind United’s poor start to the Premier League season. They travel to Southampton on Sunday lunchtime at the bottom of the table and having lost for the 10th time in 11 outings when Jamie Vardy scored a 90th minute winner during last weekend’s defeat by Leicester City.

With injuries to Enda Stevens and Ethan Ampadu increasing the pressure on United’s rearguard, Wilder has selected Kean Bryan alongside John Egan and Chris Basham in recent games, despite allowing the youngster to join Bolton Wanderers on loan last term.

United are expected to use one of the remaining loans on their roster to increase the defensive options at Wilder’s disposal, with the manager recently revealing he is exploring several potential lines of enquiry abroad.

Rojo was included in the 25 man squad list Solskjaer submitted to the PL in October, but was not included among his selections for the Champions League competition.

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