Manchester United sign 18-year-old Colombian midfielder

Manchester United have officially completed the signing of 18-year-old Colombian midfielder Cristian Orozco from Fortaleza CEIF. The club announced the transfer on Thursday, August 6, 2026, finalizing a deal that was originally agreed upon last year but contingent on the player turning 18.

Orozco, who celebrated his birthday last month, has already made his first appearance for the club, featuring for the final 30 minutes in a preseason friendly against Altrincham last week. He is expected to begin his United career with the academy and under-21 squad as he adapts to life in England and the expectations at Old Trafford. The club stated he will be "supported by the Academy" during this transition period.

The young midfielder arrives having played five first-team matches for Fortaleza in the Colombian Categoria Primera A last season and has represented Colombia at the under-17 level. Sources close to the club indicate that while early impressions of his physicality and technique are positive, they plan to take his development slowly. As Orozco does not speak English, coaches have been relaying instructions through Spanish-speaking teammates, with fellow recruit Diego Leon assisting.