A Progress Report on Manchester United Summer Signing Marcos Rojo

When Marcos Rojo arrived at Manchester United, many questioned whether the defender was truly Premier League class and the answer to the Red Devils' needs.

Louis van Gaal had landed at his new club after his summer activities with the Netherlands in Brazil—hot on the heels of the departures of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand, and the manager needed reinforcements to plug the gaps.

Rojo was largely unknown in England during his two years at Sporting Lisbon but shot to prominence at the World Cup after Argentina made it to the final.

The player has now been at Old Trafford for four months, with his time on the pitch punctured by injury.

Rojo has managed to play 10 times for United in the Premier League, per Squawka.com, and has largely appeared competent and able.

During his earliest days at the club, the defender has had to supplement United's back line as Van Gaal blooded Tyler Blackett and Paddy McNair into first-team football, using Rojo as the experienced head.

And he has helped his young partners stay focused during games, constantly communicating with them both as matches progress.

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But all of this has not aided Rojo's own transition into life in England, and at times he has looked exposed.

During the early part of the campaign, Rojo was often caught not holding the line—dropping too deep as he looked to mark opponents.

This saw attackers break through United's defensive barrier too easily, and Rojo looked devoid of confidence during crucial parts of games.

But the Argentinian has slowly rectified this as he has settled in, and he has seemed more assured recently.

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However, the question of whether Rojo can displace Jonny Evans and Phil Jones remains to be seen—with the defender yet to show any signs of spectacular form.

Evans and Jones have the experience of playing for United in their pockets, and if they can both retain full fitness for an extended period, it is questionable whether Rojo will get the match time he wants.

In a back-three, there is a chance he could play with both Evans and Jones, but if LvG opts for four across the back—suddenly matters look bleaker for Rojo.

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And with Luke Shaw impressing at left-back, suddenly Rojo looks like a support player rather than a prime mover.

Shaw's price tag and burgeoning talent mean he is almost certainly Van Gaal's long-term option on the left.

Rojo is a skillful player with an eye for a pass and a tackle, but it is debatable whether he is any better than United's current defensive stock. He adds value in terms of numbers and experience, but is he really a championship-winning centre-back?

If Van Gaal decides he needs a world-class defender in either of the next two transfer windows, this would further weaken Rojo's future at the club.

So it is left to the Argentina international to prove his worth over the Christmas period as the competition for his starting position hots up dramatically.