Ineos are looking to sign the best young talent in world football to give Manchester United every chance of success in the future.
That has been evident since the beginning of 2024, when Sir Jim Ratcliffe first became co-owner at Manchester United. Ineos have full control of football operations, and they’ve already shifted the strategy in terms of using the transfer market to sign young players.
Examples of that have been Leny Yoro, Patrick Dorgu, Chido Obi and Sekou Kone, to name more than a few. The scouting network at United is working hard to sign more talented players like Enzo Kana-Biyik in 2026.
United also dipped into the South American market by signing Diego Leon from Cerro Porteno, and they’ve already reached an agreement over a deal to sign Cristian Orozco in July 2026 once he turns 18. The Colombian youngster is the latest prospect on the verge of signing for the Red Devils, is impressing at Fortaleza following a transfer from Rojo FC.
Former Man Utd scout shares verdict on Cristian Orozco
Although United have yet to confirm a deal for Orozco, Leon’s deal was reportedly similarly over a year ago – and nothing has been dismissed by either of the parties involved.
That would suggest there is a gentleman’s agreement at the very least for Orozco to move his professional career to Manchester next year.
Former United scout Nicolas Cinalli has explained what first brought Colombian midfielder Orozco to his – and United’s – attention.
“I think he can develop into a really energetic defensive midfield ball-winner with more efficient tools to distribute the ball,” Cinalli told reporter Steve Bartram.
“So, it’s a kind of profile like Caicedo. He has the pace and agility to ride through the wide areas and ball-winning duels. You can expect the player to raise his stamina, but of course he’s gonna need the time and the patience to adapt his game to the pace of the league.
“Then also a little bit of luck, because you don’t control anything in your life and a little bit of luck to not get injuries, to adapt himself very quickly and his mindset [will] start to live like an English player. But you never know. The brain of the people is personal. You don’t even know the brain of your wife!
“He has the profile, he has the tools, he has the physique, he has the mentality. They make a fantastic decision to sign him and then he needs time, patience and a little bit of luck.”
Cinalli is keen to stress that Cristian needs time, patience and luck on his side, but adds that he is a very, very exciting prospect for United.
As a scout, Cinalli spent eight years and 10 months at United before he departed from the club in June.
The only Colombian to play for Man Utd
Orozco could follow in the footsteps of Radamel Falcao if he becomes the second Colombian to play for United.
The first, Falcao, only spent one season at Old Trafford, but he was past his peak.
Orozco is coming to United to develop and blossom as a footballer, with aims of becoming one of the best defensive midfielders in the world.
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