Man United announce signing of South American wonderkid, 18

Aug 6, 2026 - 22:30
Man United announce signing of South American wonderkid, 18

Manchester United have announced the signing of 18-year-old Cristian Orozco.

The teenage midfielder has joined the Red Devils from Fortaleza CEIF in his native Colombia.

Cristian Orozco signs his contract as he is unveiled as a Manchester United player
United have confirmed the signing of teenage midfielder Orozco
Getty

It comes after United agreed a deal to sign Orozco back in September.

He has now officially arrived at Old Trafford after turning 18 last month.

Previous United signing Diego Leon saw his move delayed in similar fashion last summer before joining from Cerro Porteno.

Orozco featured five times for Fortaleza’s first-team last season.

He will initially be part of the club’s academy having already featured for the under-21s against Altrincham last week.

The youngster becomes Michael Carrick’s sixth signing of the summer.

Orozco follows fellow prospects Tynan Thompson and Kit Margetson through the door.

Meanwhile, the United first-team has also been strengthened by the arrivals of Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Karl Darlow.

The Red Devils will return to the Champions League this season following their third place finish last term.

Who is Cristian Orozco?

Orozco has been capped by Colombia up to under-17 level so far in his international career.

Cristian Orozco looks on during the match between Altrincham and Manchester United U21s
Orozco has already made his under-21s debut and will join up with the club’s academy
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He was also part of their squad for last year’s South American U17 Championship.

Colombia reached the final on home soil before losing to Brazil on penalties.

Orozco later captained the side at the U17 World Cup in Qatar in November.

They were unable to replicate their previous success, though, losing to France in the round of 32.

His arrival at United sees Orozco become the club’s third ever Colombian player.

He follows in the footsteps of Radamel Falcao and Mateo Mejia by joining the Red Devils.

Cristian Orozco on the ball for Colombia at the U17 World Cup
Orozco captained Colombia at last year’s U17 World Cup in Qatar
Getty

Falcao spent the 2014/15 season on loan at United, scoring four goals in 26 Premier League appearances.

Meanwhile, Mejia featured for the club’s under-21 side in the EFL Trophy during five years on their books.

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