Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has backed Marcos Rojo to become a top player for the Red Devils.

Rojo's future at United had been in doubt over the summer following rumours that he had fallen out with van Gaal but the defender has now managed to play himself back in contention and put in a fine performance during the Red Devils' 3-0 victory over Everton on Saturday.

Now van Gaal has gone on to state that he is an admirer of Rojo's abilities and backed the Argentine international to become a key player at Old Trafford.

Van Gaal said: "I saw him in the World Cup in Brazil when he played for Argentina very well. I analysed him at Sporting Lisbon. What I like is that he is physically a very strong guy, he is a good header and his pass is fast. I think there is great potential in him to become a very good player for Manchester United."

United captain Wayne Rooney has also been impressed by Rojo and has hailed the 25-year old as a 'fantastic' player.

Rooney said: "He is a fantastic player and a fantastic team-mate. He is a player who is very tough to get around. For him to be from Argentina and play in the Premier League is not easy but he has done a great job. He will be a very important player for us for the rest of the season."