Photo: Marcos Rojo hands Man United injury boost after successful operation

Marcos Rojo has handed Manchester United a timely injury boost after the centre-half successfully underwent a shoulder operation on Wednesday morning.

The Argentina international suffered a serious shoulder injury in first-team training earlier this month after United’s 2-1 win at Watford in the Premier League.

Rojo has a history with shoulder injuries and he required oxygen on the pitch after he dislocated his shoulder during a 1-0 defeat by Manchester City in October’s derby in November 2014.

However, the 25-year-old appeared to be in high spirits as he posted the above snap from his hospital bed and paid tribute to his wife plus the United supporters following the procedure.

Rojo wrote on his Instagram page: “My operation was a success. Thank you to my beautiful wife, always with me. Thank you everyone for your messages of love and support.”

Rojo is expected to be sidelined for a number of weeks as he undergoes rehabilitation from the shoulder operation.

United manager Louis van Gaal is facing an injury crisis after Chris Smalling joined Rojo, Matteo Darmian, Luke Shaw and Phil Jones on physio table.

Northern Ireland centre-half Paddy McNair was also struggling with a fitness problem ahead of Wednesday night’s 3-2 loss to Wolfsburg in the Champions League.