The former Manchester United star has thrown his toys out of the pram and is refusing to train as he seeks a return to his boyhood club
Marcos Rojo of Racing Club looks on prior to a Torneo Clausura Betano 2025 match between Racing Club and Independiente Rivadavia at Presidente Peron Stadium
Former Manchester United star Marcos Rojo is boycotting training at Racing Club(Image: Getty)
View 3 Images
Ex-Manchester United defender Marcos Rojo is refusing to train with Argentine side Racing Club. The 36-year-old is seeking a transfer to his boyhood club.
Rojo began his career with Estudiantes, winning the Copa Libertadores in 2009 and the Primera Division in 2010. After a short stint in Russia, he then headed to Sporting CP. He thrived in Portugal and impressed with his national team at the 2014 World Cup, catching United's eye.
The outspoken left-footed defender was signed from Sporting for £16million in August 2014 by Louis van Gaal. In the six-and-a-half years Rojo spent at Old Trafford, he was plagued by injuries but endeared himself to supporters for his fierce approach to defending and fiery temper.
Rojo made 122 appearances for United, 76 of those in the Premier League. He scored two goals and kept 38 clean sheets, lifting the FA Cup in 2016 before completing a League Cup and Europa League double the following year.
After leaving United to return to Argentina in 2021, he spent four years with Boca Juniors and became captain before joining Racing in August 2025. But now, the centre-back has gone AWOL, missing training in an attempt to forcibly rejoin Estudiantes, where he spent a short time on loan from United in 2020.
Ashley Young, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Luke Shaw and Marcos Rojo of Manchester United celebrate with the Europa League trophy after the UEFA Europa League Final match between Manchester United and Ajax at Friends Arena
Rojo missed the Europa League final but played his part in the tournament victory(Image: Getty)
View 3 Images
Following Racing's elimination from the Copa Argentina and the dwindling of their title hopes, tensions reached a boiling point between Rojo and his current employers. Estudiantes had reached out to the 36-year-old and wanting to end his career where it started, Rojo is thought to be keen on the move.
His hometown side are chaired by another former United star, Juan Sebastian Veron. Rojo held direct talks on Tuesday with Racing chairman and former Inter Milan striker Diego Milito. But after repeatedly telling club chiefs of his desire to leave, the conversation became heated. Neither side budged and now, Rojo has refused to train.
Estudiantes' call to Rojo comes just as they face an injury crisis ahead of a crucial Copa Libertadores semi-final against Flamengo. Two key centre-backs are suspended for the match against the Brazilian side on October 15 and Rojo can make the move and play, as per CONMEBOL's tournament squad rules.
Racing have not yet terminated Rojo's contract, which expires at the end of this year, as his salary is reportedly low and tied to a productivity clause, meaning he is paid less if he misses a game. The unpredictable ex-United star has not stopped finding himself in hot water on the pitch, either.
Referee Sebastian Zunino shows a red card to Marcos Rojo of Racing Club during a Torneo Apertura 2026 match between Racing Club and River Plate at Presidente Peron Stadium
The defender is still a blazing personality on the pitch(Image: Getty)
View 3 Images
In April, he received a four-match suspension for insulting the referee after being sent off for striking an opponent in the face as Racing lost to River Plate.
Speaking to ESPN, he said: "I feel it. I don't want to play the victim and say everyone is against me. But that's the reality. When I have good games, I don't hear anyone talking about me.
"But when I make the slightest mistake, they're talking about it all week and calling for my head after every bad game I have. It's a bit annoying and it ends up affecting you. What I like to do is play football.
"I've always been like this throughout my career, regardless of the jersey I wear. I try to give my best, to fight with everything I have. I've made mistakes, sure. I'll continue to make mistakes, sure.
"But I've always tried my best for the club I represent. If I have to talk to the referee or get into a physical altercation with someone to defend a team-mate, I'll keep doing it because that's how I play and how I understand football."