Cristian Orozco

Manchester United are ramping up their youth recruitment drive with a sensational agreement to sign 17-year-old Colombian defensive midfielder Cristian Orozco from Fortaleza CEIF, set to arrive at Old Trafford next summer once he turns 18. The news, first broken by respected Colombian journalist Pipe Sierra (@PSierraR), highlights INEOS’s commitment to building a sustainable future at the club amid a challenging start to the 2025-26 season. 1

Who is Cristian Orozco? A Rising Star from Bogotá

Born in July 2008, Orozco is a right-footed holding midfielder known for his maturity, vision, and relentless work rate—qualities that have drawn comparisons to Chelsea’s Moisés Caicedo. 4 Captain of Colombia’s U17 national team, he led his side to the final of the South American U17 Championship last spring, showcasing his leadership and duel-winning prowess before a penalty shootout loss to Brazil. 2 At club level, the Bogotá native recently moved from Rojo FC to Categoría Primera A outfit Fortaleza CEIF in July, where he’s already training with the first team, though yet to debut. 7

Scouts praise Orozco’s composure under pressure, tireless engine, and ability to dictate play from deep—traits that make him a perfect fit for Ruben Amorim’s high-intensity system. 5 “Cristian Orozco is a defensive midfielder with maturity well beyond his years,” noted one scouting report, emphasizing his potential as a long-term No. 6 solution. 4

The Deal: Preliminary Agreement and INEOS’s South American Raid

United’s technical director Christopher Vivell, fresh from securing deals for talents like Sekou Kone, played a key role in negotiations, striking a preliminary agreement with Fortaleza CEIF. 1 Due to post-Brexit regulations, Orozco can’t officially join until his 18th birthday in July 2026, but the deal is done—marking another low-risk, high-reward move in INEOS’s youth-focused strategy. 7

This signing continues United’s “INEOS youth raid” on South America, following the arrivals of Kone from Ivory Coast and others, as the club shifts from big-money flops to smart, future-proof investments. 5 While not an immediate fix for United’s midfield woes, Orozco’s “first-team potential” could see him fast-tracked into the senior setup under Amorim. 2

Fan Reaction and What’s Next

The announcement has ignited excitement among United fans, with Sierra’s X post—”BREAKING: Cristian Orozco to Man Utd, Deal DONE!”—garnering thousands of likes and shares, celebrating the grit and vision this teen brings to the Red Devils. 6 As one supporter tweeted, “Another gem for the academy—INEOS getting it right!”

Orozco will spend the 2025-26 season honing his skills at Fortaleza before linking up with United’s U21s or beyond. With his blend of defensive steel and creative passing, he could be the next South American success story at Old Trafford. Exciting times ahead for Man United’s next generation—watch this space!