Eric Bailly and David de Gea among Man United stars to message Marcos Rojo after serious injury

A number of current and former Manchester United players have sent messages of support to ex-Reds defender Marcos Rojo after the Argentine suffered a serious knee injury earlier this month.

Rojo, who left United to join Boca Juniors in 2021, revealed that he would be out of action for "seven to eight months" after suffering a serious knee injury - the same injury he sustained while playing for the Reds in April 2017.

The 32-year-old defender will require surgery after picking up an anterior cruciate ligament injury, which occurred when he fell just moments after having a penalty saved in a league match on Wednesday. He is set to have an operation next week.

Speaking after leaving a clinic in Buenos Aires, Rojo said: "It’s going to be seven or eight months at least. I’m going to take it slowly so I come back in the best shape. On Monday I’ll have the op and then I’ll start thinking about my recovery."

"It’s not the first time (nor will it be the last) that I have to get back up after suffering a hard knock," he added in an emotional Instagram post. "You all know about the unfortunate moment I suffered on Wednesday and the time I’ll be sidelined. It’s hard and it’s going to be difficult and I’ll need to think about it the least I can."

Former United teammates David de Gea and Juan Mata were among those who posted messages of support to the Argentina international on social media.

De Gea wrote: "I love you buddy!" Mata added: "We are with you brother".

Ander Herrera, Eric Bailly and Sergio Romero also offered their support to Rojo. Herrera sent a photo of the pair during their days together at United, writing: "Strength my friend." Bailly, who is on loan from the Reds at French side Marseille, added: "I love you brother a lot of encouragement my captain".

Ex-United shot-stopper Romero - who plays alongside Rojo at Boca - wrote: "Always positive friend, let's go for more! I love you big hug Pa!"

Reacting to the messages he received from fellow professionals and supporters, Rojo wrote: "I know it’s a question of time and after so many years in football I can say I’ve never felt as accompanied as I have been in these difficult hours.

"That’s why I want to say thank you to each and every one of you that took a moment of their time to make sure I received your love and affection. It’s without doubt the best way of initiating my recovery."