Why There Is More to Come from Argentina's Rojo After Impressive Man Utd Debut

After what seemed an eternity, finally Manchester United fans finished a weekend celebrating. Louis Van Gaal shook off an indifferent start to his career in England with a rousing performance, and the incorporation of several new faces was key in making the team click for the first time this season. 

With an inspired display, Angel Di Maria deservedly took most of the plaudits against Queens Park Rangers. But his compatriot's performance further back up the pitch was just as impressive and contributed to a convincing 4-0 drubbing of Harry Redknapp's men. 

Marcos Rojo had to wait for his debut in United colours. Work permit issues delayed the Argentina international's unveiling at Old Trafford, and in his absence the Red Devils' defence stuttered and spluttered. The side conceded three goals in as many games, with those at the back struggling to adapt to a three-man unit which gave Van Gaal such great results with the Netherlands during the World Cup. 

With the ex-Sporting man in tow, United switched to four at the back and the difference was immediate. Rojo came in at left-back, forming a partnership on the flank with Di Maria further up that felt all too comfortable. The pair form the same block out wide in Argentina colours, and Rojo knows exactly what to do in order to cover his compatriot. 

When Di Maria pushes up or drifts across the pitch, Rojo holds the line admirably, staying strong and plugging any possible hole that could appear. When Fideo has possession near the centre circle, his team-mate looks to overlap out on the left, giving Argentina or United a further option going forward. It is a fluid association that worked wonders in Brazil 2014, and should do likewise across 2014/15. 

Far greater challenges await United's new boy. QPR veered from lacklustre, to listless, to downright pathetic across a forgettable 90 minutes, and were not exactly a true test of Rojo's talents. But even so, the left-back has every reason to be pleased with his individual performance. 

His numbers, as recorded by WhoScored, point to an almost flawless showing. The Argentinian made two tackles and three interceptions during the match, making sure the away team could not advance an inch down his wing. He also contributed with an impressive 85 passes, with a completion accuracy of 92 percent; fantastic numbers for a defender, and a key explanation as to why Di Maria could run riot for the entire game. 

If the winger continues to receive such consistent service out wide, there will be no stopping him. 

Rojo has every reason to be happy with his debut performance. He proved that he will not be intimidated by the Premier League's pace and physicality, and more than that he will continue to play on the floor and in a measured fashion, not succumbing to the temptation to smash the ball up the field. 

First impressions can be misleading, but United fans can feel confident about their new man at left-back. Rojo looked great in his first Red Devils display, and should only improve as he settles in to life at Old Trafford.