Man Utd announces new midfield signing after a year of trying, and fans love his first game!
Manchester United have just announced the signing of exciting young midfielder Cristian Orozco, right after he made his debut in a pre-season friendly against Altrincham.
Orozco, who recently captained Colombia’s under-17 team, has joined Manchester United from Colombian top club Fortaleza CEIF for around £750,000.
The 18-year-old’s move was finished last month when he turned 18, but the club only confirmed it officially on August 6. They also said he’ll be joining the academy as he gets used to life at Old Trafford.
Last season, Orozco played five times for Fortaleza’s first team. In an interview with ESPN Colombia, he described his playing style and his move to Manchester.
“I know my strengths are my physicality and technique,” he said. “With the talent God gave me, I think it won’t be too hard. But I’m young, so I need to adapt.”
“I want to learn a lot of English quickly. When I was there, I realized how important it is.”
“I want to learn fast so I can show what I’m capable of. I want to adjust to everything as soon as possible.”
Fans caught a surprise look at the teenager when he played for United’s under-21 team in a friendly against Altrincham.
Orozco had a solid game, showing off his passing and calmness on the ball at Moss Lane. You can watch some of his best moments below.
Many fans were impressed by his appearance. One said, “We might have a huge talent here. He looks so calm.”
Another wrote, “I liked that. Presence, calmness, touch, passing. Fingers crossed.” A third added, “Steady and composed, like Mainoo.”
Recently, United have focused on signing central midfielders, bringing in Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos from Aston Villa and Chelsea.
Tielemans was signed after triggering a £35 million release clause, while Santos came in a deal worth £48 million plus £2 million in add-ons.
People expected United to sign a third midfielder, but a report from The Athletic says it’s now unclear if another player will arrive, as the club thinks about where to spend next.
Mason Mount, who has had some injury troubles since joining from Chelsea, has played well in a deeper midfield role during pre-season. But his fitness is still something to watch.