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On red alert

Manchester United defender Marcos Rojo wanted by Villarreal as Jose Mourinho deems him surplus to requirements

Argentina ace moved to Old Trafford in 2014 but looks likely to leave with Spanish side ahead of Champions League campaign

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VILLARREAL are interested in signing Marcos Rojo from Manchester United, according to reports in Spain.

The Argentina defender was brought to Old Trafford by Louis van Gaal in 2014 but has struggled to adapt to the pace of the Premier — and is thought to have been deemed surplus to requirements by new boss, Jose Mourinho.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 17: Marcos Rojo of Manchester United in action during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford on May 17, 2015 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Tom Purslow/Man Utd via Getty Images)
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Marcos Rojo has been told he has no future at Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty Images

Spanish daily, , claim he is now a target for the Liga side.

Villarreal continued their remarkable rise from relegation to the Spanish second division in 2011 as they finished fourth to ensure Champions League qualification last season.

And boss Marcelino sees Rojo’s big-game experience as an excellent addition to his squad as they prepare to compete in European football’s most glorious competition.

The 26-year-old left-sided central defender was part of the Argentina team which finished as runners up to Chile in this summer’s Copa America Centenario.

(left to right) Manchester United's Chris Smalling, Jesse Lingard, Marcus Rashford and Marcos Rojo celebrate winning the FA Cup after the Emirates FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday May 21, 2016. See PA story SOCCER Final. Photo credit should read: Mike Egerton/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications.
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Marcos Rojo celebrates winning the FA Cup with Manchester UnitedCredit: PA:Press Association
Marcos Rojo was dismissed in the Copa MAerica final as Argentina lost to Chile
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Marcos Rojo was dismissed in the Copa America final as Argentina lost to ChileCredit: Getty Images
Jun 21, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; United States midfielder Graham Zusi (19) and Argentina defender Marcos Rojo (16) go for the ball during the match in the semifinals of the 2016 Copa America Centenario soccer tournament at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
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Marcos Rojo has been in action for Argentina at the Copa AmericaCredit: Usa Today Sports
Argentina's national team (back L-R) Argentina's defender Marcos Rojo, Argentina's defender Martin Demichelis, Argentina's defender Ezequiel Garay, Argentina's goalkeeper Sergio Romero and Argentina's midfielder Javier Mascherano (front L-R) Argentina's forward Gonzalo Higuain, Argentina's midfielder Enzo Perez, Argentina's forward and captain Lionel Messi, Argentina's midfielder Lucas Biglia, Argentina's defender Pablo Zabaleta and Argentina's forward Ezequiel Lavezzi pose for a team prior to the 2014 FIFA World Cup final football match between Germany and Argentina at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on July 13, 2014. AFP PHOTO / JUAN MABROMATAJUAN MABROMATA/AFP/Getty Images
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Marcos Rojo started for Argentina in the 2014 World Cup finalCredit: Getty Images

It was double trouble for Rojo — as well as his side suffering penalty shoot-out heartache, he was sent off for a horror challenge.

He was also part of the team which lost against the same opponents at the same stage a year earlier.

And, 12 months before that, Argentina started their remarkable run of major final heartbreak when they lost 1-0 against Germany in 2014 World Cup final.

Villarreal's coach Marcelino Garcia Toral celebrates a goal during the UEFA Europa League semifinals first leg football match Villarreal CF vs Liverpool FC at El Madrigal stadium in Vila-real on April 28, 2016. / AFP PHOTO / JOSE JORDANJOSE JORDAN/AFP/Getty Images
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Villarreal boss, Marcelino, wants to sign Marcos RojoCredit: Getty Images
Marcos Rojo has struggled since joining Manchester United
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Marcos Rojo has struggled since joining Manchester UnitedCredit: EPA

It was in Brazil where Rojo came to the attention of former United boss, Van Gaal.

The Dutchman was manager of Holland at the World Cup and lead them to third place after — losing to Argentina in a semi-final penalty shoot-out.

Van Gaal was impressed by Rojo’s ability to fit in a centre-back and at left-back and persuaded the United board to pay Sporting Lisbon £16million.

He won one FA Cup during his two seasons at Old Trafford.

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