Manchester United are planning for the future with Ruben Amorim at the helm of the club, with one player set to join likely to be a big part of this.
When Sir Jim Ratcliffe said he wanted to find the next Kylian Mbappe, he didn’t mean it literally, with the desire mainly to see Manchester United sign the stars of tomorrow.
Already under Ineos, we have seen the arrival of Sekou Kone, Ayden Heaven, Chido Obi, and Diego Leon, who all fit the mould of the recruitment policy currently in place.
Director of recruitment Christopher Vivell specialises in finding the next big thing across the world. Now, the latest youngster secured is proving that he might be the most exciting of all.
United have already agreed to sign Cristian Orozco from Fortaleza for £750,000 and the 17-year-old will join the club next summer.
The Colombia U17 captain is considered a brilliant young defensive midfielder and is currently performing to a very high level at the U17 World Cup in Qatar.
Following Orozco’s role in Colombia’s 0-0 draw with El Salvador, he was lauded by local news outlet El Espectador, explaining the wonderkid’s talents.
“Orozco leads not only with the ball but also with his attitude. The rhythm of the game flows through him. He’s the first to press the opponent and understands the game, knowing when to play short and when to play long.”
When watching Orozco in action, he oozes quality on and off the ball, looking already like he is very polished, physical, and ready to play a role under Ruben Amorim next season.
Orozco also impressed against Germany in the U17 World Cup, which was a big test against a top European side with players from the academies of Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, and Bayer Leverkusen.
Orozco arrives at the club with plenty of excitement over his ability, but he will need time to adjust to English football. However, Orozco is already better physically than Kone, and his adaptation should be a lot smoother.
To have secured Orozco for just £750k is a real bargain for United, and the fee already looks that way, as his U17 World Cup performances will undoubtedly be raising his profile and transfer value.
United signed Orozco at the perfect time, and Amorim will surely be watching his performances and beginning to believe that he has a proper player on his hands.
There will be something of a midfield overhaul in 2026, and Orozco could definitely be part of this, assuming he is as good as he appears to be.
United hit the jackpot.