The 24-year-old defender joined the Red Devils from Sporting CP in August after protracted negotiations, which at one stage had threatened to derail the deal.
Rojo admits he could hardly contain himself once he had heard about United’s interest and started playing hardball with the Lions in order to force the move through.
The Argentina international thought it a good idea to go on strike at the Lisbon outfit, before former United midfielder Veron intervened and advised his countryman to return to training.
“It was a huge surprise when I was told United wanted to buy me,” Rojo said. “I was in Portugal when my representative told me. He asked me to stay calm but I could not. I started living this dream.
“I could not think of anything else. I would call him every day, but when it seemed the transfer would not happen then I refused to work with Sporting.
“That was when Veron played his part in the process. He was like a strict father to me, scolding me.”
He added: “Veron called me one day when I had refused to train with Sporting and said: ‘Do not be stubborn. If Manchester United wants a player then they will not let you escape.’
“And so I went back – and the transfer went ahead.”