Louis van Gaal made Man Utd signing ‘because grandson played with him on FIFA’

A defender who spent seven years at Manchester United was reportedly brought to Old Trafford thanks, in part, to the grandson of Louis van Gaal after he played with them on FIFA.

Van Gaal replaced David Moyes as United manager in the summer of 2014 but lasted just two seasons after being sacked in the aftermath of their FA Cup final win over Crystal Palace.

Still, the Dutchman managed to spend over £250 million on new signings during that period, with big-money acquisitions including Angel di Maria, Anthony Martial, Morgan Schneiderlin and Memphis Depay.

Marcos Rojo also joined for a sizable sum, making the £16 million switch from Sporting CP in 2014 as Nani moved in the opposite direction on a season-long loan.

"Marcos is a very gifted defender. He can play either as a central defender or left-back," said Van Gaal. "He has ability, physical strength and a willingness to learn. That means he has a very bright future ahead of him."

Rojo was United's fourth summer signing in 2014. Image credit: Getty

Van Gaal didn't mention it at the time but, according to former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes, he was alerted to Rojo's ability by his grandson, who played with the Argentine on FIFA.

Speaking on a recent episode of The Good, The Bad & The Football, Scholes' former teammate Nicky Butt praised the video game for being a great scouting tool.

"Back when he was about 10, my son could have worked in the recruitment team," said Butt. "He knew every player and it was all because of FIFA and what they play online on the PlayStation.”

Scholes then mentioned how Rojo's name came to light at United.

“Apparently Louis van Gaal brought a player through his grandson," said Scholes. "He told him about Marcos Rojo from Argentina (through playing on FIFA)."

Podcast host Paddy McGuinness couldn't believe what he was hearing. “No!" he said, before suggesting it had to be one of those "made up things".

Butt, however, was adamant. “No, it’s true," he replied.

"My lad said to me about a player, he said to me: ‘They should go and sign these three players'. I’d never even heard of them. Believe it or not, probably two years later these players started going to big clubs in Europe.”

Van Gaal and Rojo pictured in 2016. Image credit: Getty

Rojo left United in 2021 to join Boca Juniors. He spent four years at La Bombonera before signing a deal with Argentine Primera Division side Racing Club in 2025.