Ruben Amorim could finally be adding extra legs to his midfield, according to Fabrizio Romano. Manchester United have had a mixed-bag start to the 2025/26 Premier League season, with victories against Liverpool and Chelsea showing clear improvement from last campaign, but inconsistency has still left them sitting 10th after 12 matches.
The Red Devils focused most of their summer transfer efforts on signing new forwards, with Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko arriving as marquee additions. There was a late attempt to sign Carlos Baleba to add more energy into midfield, but it proved too little too late for the Old Trafford hierarchy.
However, it now seems they have made strengthening their engine room a priority for the January window. And while Baleba appears off the table for the time being, another option is reportedly already on his way to England to push for a deal.
Cristian Orozco on His Way to England to Seal Man United Deal
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim celebrates their win against Brighton.
Premier League - Manchester United v Brighton & Hove Albion - Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain - October 25, 2025 Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim celebrates after the match REUTERS/Phil Noble
In the early hours of Saturday morning, Romano broke the news that United are closing in on a deal with Colombian youngster Cristian Orozco, who is on his way to England to try to speed up the process of a deal. The world-renowned journalist wrote on X (see the full post below):
"EXCLUSIVE: Cristian Orozco, on his way to England as he’s signing at Manchester United. $1m deal sealed with Fortaleza for the Colombian midfielder. He’s now travelling to Manchester with Lead Scout Giuseppe Antonaccio."
Described as the 'leader of a generation', the United hierarchy will be expecting big things from the 17-year-old in the future, though it remains to be seen whether is immediate future is in the first-team squad, the Carrington academy, or out on loan elsewhere.
The Red Devils Are Desperate for More Energy in Midfield
Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro embracing after Manchester United score against Chelsea
Amorim has shown a worrying reluctance to stray from his favoured 3-4-3 formation. But with only two central midfielders used in this system, those in the middle of the park are expected to cover a lot of ground and contribute to both defence and attack - something Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro have struggled to do, while Bruno Fernandes shoulders much of the responsibility.
Orozco is an industrious defensive midfielder, so he fits the profile of what the sleeping giants need most. United previously missed the chance to sign Moises Caicedo from Independiente del Valle for just £5 million, and this winter could finally bring about a full-circle moment in their search for an answer to the Caicedo and Declan Rice debate - even if they may have to wait a few years before their alternative option fully realises his potential.