Manchester United manager Louis Van Gaal seems to have finally sealed his first signing since taking over at the club, with Marcos Rojo confirming a transfer was signed, sealed and delivered.
Van Gaal has been after a left-sided defender, who can play both left-back and centre-back for a while now, with Thomas Vermaelen being his first option for that role.
However, after the Arsenal skipper signed for Barcelona, the Dutchman was forced to look elsewhere and identified Rojo as a candidate, along with Netherlands international Daley Blind.
The deal for Rojo looked to have fallen apart as Sporting Lisbon held out for the highest fee possible, owing largely to the fact they only own 25 percent of the player.
Rojo even went on strike in order to force the move through to Manchester United, before eventually apologising for his behaviour on Sunday. "I was hot-headed and I'm sorry," he said. "I'll be back with the rest of the squad tomorrow.
"Sporting signed me when I was not at my best and gave me the opportunity to play for a big club in Europe. I would like to thank the trust they had in me and I will resume training."
However, it does look like Rojo will be a Manchester United player after all with the 24-year-old himself confirming the deal on Argentine radio.
"It feels like a dream, to be a Manchester United player," he told Continental. "Leaving Sporting wasn't easy."
Marcos Rojo on ARG Radio Continental right now: 'It feels like a dream, to be a Manchester United player. Leaving Sporting wasn't easy.'
— Sam Kelly (@HEGS_com) August 18, 2014
It remains to be seen what the fee involved will be with reports on Monday suggesting an offer of around €20 million, plus either Nani or Anderson, has been agreed between the two clubs.
Anderson has been a fringe player at Manchester United for quite a while now, while Nani has flattered to deceive more often than not. So, United will not be losing out on a pivotal man if either of them makes their move to Lisbon, with Nani, of course, a former Sporting player.
Van Gaal, who did not play a big part in the summer signings of Ander Herrera and Luke Shaw, apart from just giving his nod, could still make a move for Blind as well, with United's problems clearly lying in their defence. Some strengthening is also needed in midfield, and it remains to be seen if Arturo Vidal will eventually land up at Old Trafford.
Manchester United are also reportedly keen on bringing in Angel Di Maria, with the Real Madrid winger heavily linked with a move away from Real Madrid.
