Colombian teenager Orozco breaks silence on completed Manchester United move

Cristian Orozco has addressed his move to Manchester United for the first time, telling ESPN Colombia that he is focused on adapting as quickly as possible after completing his transfer from Colombian club Fortaleza CEIF on the day he turned 18.

United agreed the deal nine months ago but the terms stipulated that Orozco could not join until he reached adulthood, meaning the move was formally completed this summer. The 18-year-old central midfielder has gone straight into the club’s academy, where coaches will assess him before deciding his next steps. A place in the Under-21 setup for the coming season is considered the most likely outcome.

“I know my strengths are my physicality and my technique,” Orozco said. “I have those qualities and, with the gift God gave me, I don’t think it will be too difficult. But everything is about adapting. I’m very young and that’s what I’ll need to do.”

The club will provide English lessons to help him settle in, something Orozco identified as essential after visiting Carrington in December. “I expect to learn a lot of English. When I was there, I realised just how important it is,” he said. “I want to arrive and learn as quickly as possible. That’s what’s required so I can show my level and everything I’m capable of.”

United signed Orozco because they believe he has genuine first-team potential in the long term. Manager Michael Carrick has already moved to address the squad’s midfield depth this summer through the arrivals of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, and Orozco’s development will be managed patiently alongside those senior additions.

The signing follows a similar recruitment model to the club’s recent acquisitions of Sekou Kone from Mali and Diego Leon from Paraguay, both brought in as long-term prospects over the past 18 months.

Fans on social media have been vocal in their eagerness for a formal announcement, with several posts on X calling on the club to confirm Orozco’s arrival alongside the signings of Santos and goalkeeper Karl Darlow.