Manchester United are set to sign Colombian prospect Cristian Orozco. Here’s an update on his progress.
In late 2025, Manchester United clinched a deal to sign Cristian Orozco, who will officially join the Red Devils after he turns 18, in summer 2026.
United struck an agreement to sign Orozco before the Under-17s World Cup. The central midfielder impressed at the tournament, showing United to have made a shrewd move.
Orozco has since returned to his club in Colombia, where he is spending the next few months before moving to Old Trafford. And now he has had a major breakthrough.
Cristian Orozco makes debut
Cristian Orozco is contracted to Colombian top flight club Fortaleza, after previously being on the books of Rojo CF.
Orozco has now made his debut for Fortaleza, his first ever senior club appearance.
The teenager was introduced as an 83rd minute substitute in Fortaleza’s 4-1 defeat away to Atletico Nacional.
Orozco had one shot at goal during his brief appearance, which ended up blocked. He completed three of three pass attempts.
His 13th placed side had already been reduced to 10 men against Atletico, who are placed in fifth. Former Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos scored twice for them.
Fortaleza are next in action on Monday, where Orozco could make his home debut for the club.
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Valuable experience for Cristian Orozco
It is valuable experience for Cristian Orozco to now be picking up first team experience ahead of his move to Manchester United.
The next few months will be a great chance for the talented teenager to play at a higher level, before he officially links up at Carrington in July.
Orozco will link up with United’s academy initially and get the chance to prove himself from there. It is very possible that he will get opportunities in pre-season.
At the end of December, Orozco visited United to watch a game at Old Trafford, tour Carrington, and he even trained with the under-18s and under-21s.
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