Manchester United signed three players this summer. But technically, they signed four. The one that slipped under most radars is Cristian Orozco, an 18-year-old Colombian defensive midfielder who’s already been in Manchester, passed a medical, and signed a long-term deal with the Red Devils.
Orozco is the latest proof that INEOS is serious about mining South America for talent. He’s got five senior appearances for Fortaleza CEIF back home. He captained Colombia’s Under-17 national team. And now he’s about to try and carve out a future at Carrington.
In an interview with ESPN Colombia, translated by Sport Witness, Orozco was asked what he brings to the table. His answer was direct.
“I know my strengths are my physicality and my technique. I have those qualities and, with the gift God gave me, I don’t think it will be too difficult,” he said. “But everything is about adapting. I’m very young and that’s what I’ll need to do.”
That last part might be the most important. He’s not pretending this will be easy. He knows the jump from Colombian football to the Premier League’s academy system is big. So is the language barrier.
“I expect to learn a lot of English. When I was there, I realised just how important it is,” Orozco said.
What’s next for Orozco at United
Unlike some young signings who get loaned out immediately, Orozco is expected to stay at United this season. That’s the same path Sekou Kone and Diego Leon took recently. He’ll likely play for the Under-18s and Under-21s, learn English, and get used to the English game from the inside.
He already met his new teammates and got a tour of the facilities last year. So it’s not like he’s walking in blind. But there’s a big difference between a tour and actually living it every day.
“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,” he said.
United fans are waiting on the official announcement. But in the meantime, the kid is already talking about adapting first and showing out second. That’s probably the right order.
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