Former Manchester United defender Marcos Rojo is refusing to train with Argentine side Racing Club as he seeks a transfer to his boyhood club Estudiantes. The 36-year-old has gone AWOL, missing training in an attempt to forcibly rejoin the club where he began his career.
Career journey and United years
Rojo started his career with Estudiantes, winning the Copa Libertadores in 2009 and the Primera Division in 2010. After a short stint in Russia, he moved to Sporting CP, where he impressed at the 2014 World Cup with Argentina, catching United's attention.
Manchester United signed Rojo from Sporting for £16million in August 2014 under Louis van Gaal. During six-and-a-half years at Old Trafford, he made 122 appearances, 76 in the Premier League, scoring two goals and keeping 38 clean sheets. He won the FA Cup in 2016 and the League Cup and Europa League double the following year.
Return to Argentina and current standoff
Rojo left United in 2021 to return to Argentina, spending four years with Boca Juniors and becoming captain before joining Racing in August 2025. Following Racing's elimination from the Copa Argentina and dwindling title hopes, tensions rose between Rojo and the club. Estudiantes reached out to him, and Rojo is keen to end his career where it started.
Estudiantes 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 stating his desire to leave, the conversation became heated. Neither side budged, and Rojo has now refused to train.
Contract situation and recent suspension
Estudiantes' approach comes 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 on October 15, and Rojo can play if he moves, per CONMEBOL's tournament squad rules. Racing have not terminated Rojo's contract, which expires at the end of this year, as his salary is reportedly low and tied to a productivity clause.
In April, Rojo received a four-match suspension for insulting the referee after being sent off for striking an opponent in the face in a loss 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."
