Orozco’s Arrival at Old Trafford
Manchester United has officially announced the signing of Cristian Orozco, an 18-year-old midfielder from Colombian top-flight club Fortaleza CEIF. The deal for Orozco was reportedly agreed upon last year, but the move to England could only be completed after he turned 18. Orozco arrived in England after his 18th birthday on July 13.
Orozco, who is a product of Rojo FC‘s academy, made five senior appearances for Fortaleza CEIF last season and has represented Colombia at the Under-17 level. Reports indicate the transfer is valued at approximately £750,000. He will initially join the club’s academy setup.
The young midfielder visited Manchester United’s Carrington training ground last year. During his visit, he expressed his excitement, stating that seeing the city, the stadium, and the training ground was a childhood dream come true. He also mentioned his intention to learn English quickly to adapt to his new environment.
Adaptation and Development Plans
Manchester United coaches plan to take a gradual approach with Orozco as he adapts to English football. While he is considered physically advanced compared to some previous academy signings from outside Europe, the club recognizes he will still need time to settle in.
Orozco made his public debut for Manchester United against Altrincham last week, coming on as a substitute. During his appearance, he displayed signs of quality. He currently communicates with coaches through Spanish-speaking players, including Diego Leon, as he is learning English.
Orozco has highlighted his physicality and technique as his strengths. He captained Colombia in the 2025 U-17 World Cup in Qatar and has worn the armband for various youth national teams. His leadership qualities, passing ability, strength in duels, and tactical intelligence have been noted by those who have managed him.
Academy Updates and Other Player News
In other academy news, Jim Thwaites, a midfielder, is expected to remain with Manchester United for the upcoming season. There are no plans for him to go out on loan. He will play for the Under-21s and train with the senior squad, with the aim of earning a competitive senior debut. Thwaites made his ‘senior debut’ from the bench against Atletico Madrid in a pre-season match.
Jacob Devaney, a defensive midfielder, is attracting interest from Championship clubs and teams in Europe for a loan move. Devaney received praise for his versatility after playing as a centre-half in pre-season games against Wrexham and Rosenborg. His performance on loan with St Mirren last season, where he started nearly every game in the Scottish top-flight, significantly raised his profile.
Additionally, Everton has shown interest in signing Manchester United academy striker Ethan Wheatley. The interest from Everton is partly attributed to former United academy chief Nick Cox, now Everton‘s technical director, who is a strong admirer of Wheatley’s potential as a striker.
The Under-21s recently won 4-0 against Burnley in a behind-closed-doors friendly at Carrington. They are also scheduled to play friendlies against Aston Villa and Ipswich to prepare for their league campaign, which is set to begin against Ipswich.
Source: standard.co.uk
Freya Donnelly is the Sports Reporter at News-UK, covering tennis, cricket and athletics with seven years of reporting experience. She reported on Team GB through an Olympic cycle. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from the University of Brighton and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Brighton, she plays club cricket in the summer. “Listening is the most underrated skill in sports reporting.”
