FIFA Fancy: Did Van Gaal's Grandson Scout Man Utd's Marcos Rojo?

Picture this: you're Louis van Gaal, the tactical mastermind, plotting your next move at Manchester United. Scouts are buzzing about World Cup stars, but no – your grandkid pipes up after smashing it on FIFA and says, 'Grandad, sign this Marcos Rojo bloke from Argentina!' Sounds like pub banter? Well, according to United legends Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt, it might just be how the fiery defender ended up at Old Trafford.

From PlayStation to Old Trafford

The tale comes straight from The Good, The Bad and The Football podcast, where Scholes and Butt were chewing the fat. Butt kicked things off by raving about how kids these days are virtual transfer gurus thanks to EA Sports FIFA. 'My lad was 10 and knew every player going,' he chuckled, crediting online PlayStation sessions for turning armchair fans into scouting whizzes.

Then Scholes dropped the bombshell. 'Apparently, Van Gaal got tipped off about Rojo by his grandson playing FIFA,' he revealed. Host Paddy McGuinness was having none of it – 'No way! That's one of those made-up stories!' – but Butt backed it up with his own yarn. His kids flagged three unknowns who, two years on, were snapping up big moves across Europe. Modern scouting or total myth? You decide, but it's got that perfect mix of daft and believable.

Rojo rocked up from Sporting CP in the summer of 2014 for around £16 million, fresh off Argentina's World Cup final run. Van Gaal himself hyped the signing, calling him a 'gifted defender' who could slot in at centre-back or left-back, with bags of power and a hunger to improve. If the grandkid story's true, it's the ultimate underdog tale – from virtual pitch to Premier League hero.

Rojo's Rollercoaster at United

Marcos Rojo didn't disappoint on the aggression front. Over seven years at United, he racked up 122 appearances, becoming a cult favourite for his no-nonsense tackling and Latin flair. Sure, injuries niggled him, but when fit, he was a brick wall – think sliding into challenges like he was still on FIFA ultimate team.

Trophies? He bagged an FA Cup and Europa League, proving his mettle in the big moments. These days, at 35, he's back home with Racing Club, still scrapping away. Not bad for a signing that might've started with a controller in a Dutch living room.

Butt's point hits home, though. FIFA's shrunk the world for young fans – they're spotting gems from Argentina or Brazil before the pro scouts pack their bags. Scholes and Butt reckon it's changed the game, literally. Next time your nippers bang on about some wonderkid, listen up – they might just be the next Van Gaal's grandson.

Van Gaal's era at United was all about bold calls, and if this one's legit, it's the boldest. From pixel warrior to Red Devils warrior, Rojo's story adds a cheeky twist to transfer lore. Whether it's gospel or good crack, it's got us grinning. What's your wildest signing story? Drop it in the comments.