Man Utd secure Colombian prospect Cristian Orozco in deal mirroring Diego Leon move

Fabrizio Romano has provided an update as Manchester United secure their first signing for 2026.

Although it has been a difficult start to the 2025/26 campaign for Manchester United, Ineos are adding more talented youth players to the ranks.

United fans have seen evidence of a shift in transfer strategy since Sir Jim Ratcliffe took control of football operations at Old Trafford, especially with the signings of Chido Obi, Sekou Kone and Enzo Kana-Biyik.

The ultimate aim is to win the Premier League by 2028, which is why United have been signing young players to address the club’s terrible recruitment record over the past decade.

Only time will tell if Ineos’ long-term plans prove successful amid question marks over Ruben Amorim’s future.

One thing is certain, and that is whoever is in charge of United in the coming years, they will have no shortage of promising prospects to work with.

Man Utd secure deal for Cristian Orozco

United are already making moves to strengthen their ranks in 2026.

In January, United entered the South American market and agreed a deal to sign Diego Leon from Cerro Porteño. The left wing-back remained in Paraguay until he turned 18 and joined Amorim’s squad in the summer.

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Leon is regarded as one for the future and has only played in a match for the under-21s, meaning Amorim is taking his time with the 18-year-old.

However, United have made a similar move to lure Colombian prospect Cristian Orozco away from Fortaleza.

It was revealed last week that United had reached a preliminary agreement to sign Orozco once he turns 18, but progress has already been made on that front.

According to Fabrizio Romano, United have sealed and signed a deal to bring Orozco to Old Trafford. The well-known reporter also used his famous ‘here we go’ catchphrase to suggest it’s a done deal.

The deal will be valid from next summer, which means United fans could get to see Orozco in action during the next pre-season tour.

Orozco transfer will come at a good time because, as a holding midfielder, he plays in a position United desperately need to strengthen.

Man Utd’s current midfield dilemma

One of the biggest problematic areas of the team right now is central midfield.

Amorim has yet to find a midfield pairing that works in his preferred 3-4-2-1 system.

Since the beginning of the 2025/26 campaign, Amorim has opted for Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro, with some alterations made for the Carabao Cup and when the latter was suspended.

Manuel Ugarte replaced Casemiro in the line-up when United lost 3-1 against Brentford, but the Brazil international will return from his one-game suspension on Saturday when the Red Devils host Sunderland.

The only other option in the centre of the pitch is Kobbie Mainoo, although Amorim has been overlooking the England international for Fernandes, Casemiro and Ugarte.

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