Rojo eager to ‘keep a lid’ on former Man United man

Robin van Persie’s goal on his return to Old Trafford may have brought the house down but Marcos Rojo insists Manchester United will do everything they can to contain the Dutchman this time around.

United raced into a 4-0 lead during their Europa League match with Fenerbahce last month before van Persie, who was instrumental in delivering Sir Alex Ferguson’s last-ever Premier League title in 2013, scored a consolation.

The crowd met his goal with cheers but the atmosphere in Turkey is likely to be far more hostile when the Red Devils trot out onto the pitch on Thursday.

 (Photo by Matthew Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images)

United will look to find solace away from domestic football – they have not won in the Premier League since September 24 – and Rojo says his side will not be deterred by both the partisan supporters and their former striker.

“It will be great to go against Robin again,” said the defender. “That goal he scored at Old Trafford went down well with pretty much everybody – the United support were cheering him too. I think I was the only person who wasn’t celebrating!

“But Robin is a great player and, knowing him as we do, we know what his strengths are. We’ll go out there and try to keep a lid on him.

“All matches at this level attract a very vociferous support and the fans are always right behind their team.

“We know this about Fenerbahce too, but it is very much the same case in South America. We just have to ensure we stay focused on the job in hand.”