Manchester United will begin Cristian Orozco’s development in the academy after completing the signing of the highly rated Colombian midfielder from Fortaleza.
The 18-year-old completed his £850,000 move to Old Trafford on Thursday, signing a long-term contract with the Premier League club after United agreed a deal with the Bogota-based side last year.
Orozco arrives at United with a growing reputation as one of South America’s promising young midfielders, but the club has decided to introduce him gradually to English football rather than immediately place him in the first-team squad.
The teenager’s arrival comes as United continue reshaping their midfield options under manager Michael Carrick. The club has already added Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa this summer in deals worth a combined £85 million.
United are also seeking further midfield reinforcements following Casemiro’s departure after his contract expired. Manuel Ugarte’s future has also been complicated by a serious knee injury that required surgery after he was hurt while representing Uruguay.
Despite Orozco’s immediate move into the academy setup, United view the Colombian as a long-term investment and believe he has the potential to develop into a first-team player.
The club continues to monitor several midfield targets, including Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga, Fulham’s Sander Berge, Bournemouth’s Tyler Adams and Brighton’s Carlos Baleba.
Orozco is United’s sixth signing of the summer so far and third in their youth ranks, following the arrival of Wales Under-21 goalkeeper Kit Margetson from Swansea and £8m signing of winger Tynan Thompson from Tottenham.
Former Leeds goalkeeper Karl Darlow was also signed as a free agent to back up first-choice senior ‘keeper Senne Lammens, to go with the midfielder moves for Santos and Tielemans.
For now, Orozco’s focus will be on adapting to life in England and proving he can make the step up to senior football at Old Trafford.
