How Manchester United's Marcos Rojo Can Use Copa America to Catch the Eye

Marcos Rojo heads into the Copa America on the back of a decent first season at Manchester United.

However, by the end of the campaign, he was unable to break up the central-defensive partnership of Phil Jones and Chris Smalling.

Smalling, speaking about that partnership said on Tuesday, per BBC Sport: 

"

We have proven we can fill the gap. When you consider the outgoings at centre-back, players had to step in and luckily I've been one of those who has had a good run, especially in the second half of the season.

It's one where it just builds over time and we've had our chance this season and now it is all about building on that next season.

"

Rojo can count himself a little unlucky to have been superseded at centre-half by Jones. Smalling was, in the end, United's stand-out central-defender in 2014/15, but it was Rojo, rather than Jones, who many would have expected to finish the campaign alongside him.

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Instead, the Argentinian was reduced to mostly substitute appearances or guest-starring performances at left-back, where he is probably third choice behind Luke Shaw and Daley Blind.

Much of this was about the timing of injuries.

Indeed, so much of the debate around United's central defenders is dominated by the subject of injuries. Rojo was injured against Manchester City after he had come on to replace Jones, who had been injured. Had Rojo been able to stay fit ahead of the Chelsea game, he could have earned himself a starting berth for the rest of the season.

Assuming he can stay fit, the Copa America will give Rojo some valuable minutes on the pitch. He is likely to play at left-back rather than centre-back for Argentina, but that was the case for much of the World Cup, where his performances caught United's eye.

Louis van Gaal said at the time of his acquisition, per Sky Sports, "I played against him in the World Cup so I had to analyse Argentina. In that video I was already enthusiastic about him."

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Van Gaal added, "I like the way he played in the World Cup." Rojo now has the chance to catch his eye again. 

This will be increasingly important for him, given that United are presumably in the market for another central defender. Rojo has been having some fun favouriting tweets referring to the potential acquisition of Nicolas Otamendi, for example, per Manchester Evening News. 

If United do buy a first XI centre-back, then Rojo, Jones, Smalling and Jonny Evans will be fighting for one remaining place. Rojo has the advantage of being able to provide full-back cover, but for him to make a nailed-down place in Van Gaal's starting XI his own, a good Copa America will be important.

Argentina are in a strong position to make a deep run in the tournament. On paper, the toughest opposition they will face in their group are hamstrung by the absence of their star player, as Uruguay won't be able to call on the services of Luis Suarez.

If Argentina can top the group, they will face a third-place finisher in the quarter-finals, meaning a likely win. Thus Rojo should be able to get at least five games under his belt. The level of opposition for most of that time should be decent rather than outstanding, allowing him plenty of opportunities to build confidence.

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In the latter stages, a stronger challenge will likely await, but nothing Argentina should be too scared of. If everything goes to its most likely conclusion, then a semi-final contest against Brazil would offer a superb stage for Rojo to demonstrate his quality.

Along with his compatriot Angel Di Maria, a good Copa America for Rojo will give Van Gaal plenty to think about ahead of next season.