Manchester United are looking to sign a new midfielder in 2026, with Cristian Orozco emerging as a transfer target.
After a slow start to the 2025/26 season, Ruben Amorim has had issues with his team in midfield.
Bruno Fernandes has been asked to play in a deeper role, while Casemiro protects the back three, although the Brazilian veteran cannot be expected to play every game due to his age. The jury is still out for Manuel Ugarte, a year on from his Paris Saint-Germain exit.
At 33, Casemiro is slowing down, which explains why Manchester United targeted Brighton’s Carlos Baleba in the summer. A deal never materialised for the Cameroon international, so the search for a new midfield ace continues.
United are also being linked with Brentford’s Yehor Yarmolyuk, which proves that the scouts are working hard to identify the right players.
One player closing in on a move to Old Trafford is Fortaleza ace Cristian Orozco.
Cristian Orozco to Manchester United latest
There was a big update on Orozco this week, with South American media claiming an agreement is in place for the youngster to move to England.
Orozco, who joined Colombian club Fortaleza from Rojo FC earlier this summer, will reportedly travel to Manchester after his next birthday in July to sign a professional contract in the same footsteps as Diego Leon.
Who is Cristian Orozco?
Orozco is a young footballer who currently plays for Fortaleza in Colombia. He is one of the brightest prospects in South America, with United working hard to secure his signature.
After joining Fortaleza at the beginning of the season, Orozco is on the verge of an early exit for Europe, which is a dream for most South American footballers.
How old is Cristian Orozco, and where was he born?
Orozco is 17, with his birthday being the 18th of July, making him a player for the future. He was born in Colombia.
Cristian Orozco height
Orozco stands at 1.78 metres or 5ft 10in, which means he is shorter than Casemiro (6ft 1in) and Ugarte (6ft).
What position does Cristian Orozco play?
Orozco is a holding midfielder, fitting the bill of being a player who can protect the defence. It’s still early days in his career, but United are looking for a holding midfielder who can carry the ball forward as well as keep possession.
Cristian Orozco on the international stage
Although Orozco is yet to make his professional debut, the youngster has shone at youth level for the Colombian national team.
Orozco is the captain of the Colombia U17 side and he helped them secure a place in the final of the U17 South American Championships last spring, where they lost to Brazil on penalties.
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