Man United agree pre-contract with 17-year-old Colombian starlet as midfield overhaul takes shape

Manchester United have agreed a pre-contract with 17-year-old Colombian defensive midfielder Cristian Orozco from Fortaleza, paving the way for the teenager to move to Old Trafford in July 2026 once he turns 18. The deal forms part of a broader strategy to refresh a midfield that has faced uneven form this season as Ruben Amorim shapes his squad for the coming years.

Orozco has represented Colombia at youth level up to under-17 and was part of the national side that reached the final of the CONMEBOL South American Championships earlier this year. At United, he could spend time in the youth ranks before stepping into Amorim's midfield setup. Manchester United have watched how the midfield has evolved under Amorim, with Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo struggling to consistently meet expectations, and Bruno Fernandes often dropping deeper to accommodate a 3-4-3 formation. Casemiro has shown improvement, though he was sent off in the recent fixture with Chelsea. The club's scouts view Orozco as a long-term project who could eventually contribute in a consolidated Heavier central midfield role.

United have also been giving a trial to Mouhamed Dabo, the Senegal U17 captain from Be Sport Academy, in recent weeks as part of the club's search for versatile options in midfield and defensively capable midfielders. Dabo's inclusion reflects United's ongoing approach of blending academy prospects with youth internationals during a period of transition for Amorim's squad. Earlier this year, United signed 18-year-old full back Diego Leon from Cerro Porteno after agreeing a pre-contract in January; the club paid £3.3 million up front, rising to £7 million with add-ons. Leon has twice been in Amorim's matchday squad this season but has yet to make his competitive debut.

In the meantime, former United goalkeeper Tom Wooster, 20, has been training with West Ham United's under-21s. Wooster left United after his contract expired at the end of last season following a spell with Barnsley prior to his departure. The latest activity at United underscores a clear intent to rebuild a midfield capable of sustaining a high-tempo, ball-dominant approach under Amorim, while integrating young talent with seasoned professionals in the squad.