The curious story of how Manchester United signed Marcos Rojo in 2014: thanks to a video game
Paul Scholes revealed that the Argentine defender was signed by the Red Devils because of his impressive statistics in that game.
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes recently dropped a bombshell anecdote that sounds more like an urban legend than a professional scouting report. During a recent podcast appearance, the former midfield maestro shared a story involving Louis van Gaal and the signing of Argentine defender Marcos Rojo that left his co-hosts—including former teammate Michael Carrick—in absolute disbelief.
The Grandson’s "Digital Scouting"
The conversation was centered on how the younger generation discovers global stars through video games. That’s when Scholes interjected with a "did that really happen?" moment from the Van Gaal era.
According to Scholes, word around the club was that the Dutch manager’s interest in Rojo wasn't sparked by traditional scouting, but by his grandson.
"The story goes that Van Gaal’s grandson was playing FIFA and kept using this defender from Argentina," Scholes hinted. Apparently, the youngster’s success with the virtual version of Rojo was enough to put the real-life player on the manager's radar.
From La Plata to the Theatre of Dreams
While the FIFA story adds a touch of comedy to the transfer, Rojo’s actual resume was anything but a game. His journey to Old Trafford was a steady climb through some of football’s most competitive environments:
- Estudiantes de La Plata: Where he broke through as a pro and famously lifted the Copa Libertadores.
- European Tour: Stints at Spartak Moscow and Sporting CP sharpened his defensive edge.
- The 2014 World Cup: His standout performances for Argentina in Brazil were the final catalyst for his move to England.
In 2014, United paid approximately €20 million to secure his signature. Rojo went on to make over 100 appearances for the Red Devils, helping the club secure a respectable trophy haul:
- FA Cup
- EFL Cup
- UEFA Europa League
The Return to Argentina: A New Chapter
After his rollercoaster years in the Premier League, Rojo headed home. He briefly returned to Estudiantes before making a high-profile move to Boca Juniors in 2021, where he became a polarizing yet transcendental captain for several seasons.
Following a somewhat controversial exit from Boca, the veteran center-back signed with Racing Club, where he continues his professional career today. Whether he was signed because of his tactical discipline or a teenager’s gaming habits, Rojo remains one of the most memorable—and aggressive—defenders to ever wear the United shirt.
