Man United agree pre-contract for Colombian teenager Cristian Orozco | OneFootball

Manchester United have agreed a pre-contract deal to sign Colombian midfielder Cristian Orozco from Fortaleza, but he won’t move to Old Trafford now (h/t Daily Mail).

The new Man United star has already represented Colombia at multiple youth levels.

The future Red Devil was a key figure in the side that reached the final of the CONMEBOL South American Championships earlier this year.

Orozco’s performances at the international level caught the attention of several European clubs, but Manchester United have moved quickly to secure his signature.

Orozco will formally join the Red Devils in July once he turns 18, next July. The 17-year-old defensive midfielder is expected to slot into the academy ranks initially.

However, there is hope he could be fast-tracked into Ruben Amorim’s struggling midfield set-up should he adapt quickly.

Manchester United’s midfield has been a point of weakness this season.

United have been targeting South America for talent under the Jim Ratcliffe regime and have now added a player ‘characterised by his fierce personality on the field.’

The Red Devils finalised a similar arrangement last year for Paraguayan defender Diego Leon, who joined from Cerro Porteno in the summer for a fee that could rise to £7 million.

Leon is still awaiting his debut but has featured in matchday squads and is regarded as a long-term project.

The club are also running the rule over Senegal Under-17 captain Mouhamed Dabo, currently on trial from Be Sport Academy.

While Orozco looks like a player United can nurture into a future star, Amorim’s midfield rebuild still needs experienced additions.

The club needs mature, Premier League-ready options who can command the centre and deliver in big games.

The Europa League finalists have been eyeing names such as Carlos Baleba, Elliot Anderson, and Adam Wharton.

The Man United recruitment staff are aware that the balance of youth and proven quality will determine whether this midfield evolution succeeds.