Manchester United 1-1 West Ham match highlights and reaction
Man Utd are set to add a midfielder to their squad next year and he was spotted at West Ham.
Manchester United's midfield was one of their biggest problems as they drew 1-1 with West Ham in the Premier League on Thursday night. Bruno Fernandes played well in the heart of the United side, but was let down by poor performances from both Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte as United missed the chance to go fifth in the Premier League.
United have prioritised a midfield overhaul next summer and could sign two players in the position. Manchester World revealed this week, United could even break their club-record transfer fee to sign an elite midfielder, with Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba all under consideration.
They have secured one deal already, though. Cristian Orozco has agreed to join when he turns 18 next summer, and he was in attendance at Old Trafford in midweek to watch his new side face West Ham in the Premier League.
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Orozco watches United draw with West Ham
Cristian Orozco has spent the last few days in England as part of his trip to sign a pre-contract agreement with Manchester United.
United reached an agreement to sign the Colombian teenager from Fortaleza FC for an initial $1 million (£740,000) back in September. The 17-year-old will soon sign his pre-contract agreement and meet club staff, but will only officially move to Manchester when he turns 18 in July 2026.
Orozco has met club staff and spent time at the club facilities this week, and was in attendance to watch his first Old Trafford match in midweek. The teenager shared three images to his personal Instagram page on Thursday night, which showed his view from the stands as he watched United players celebrate Diogo Dalot's opening goal. He was also in attendance to watch the U21s lose against Anderlecht at Leigh Sports Village on Tuesday night.
The defensive midfielder will continue to feature for his current club Fortaleza, for the remainder of the season before he embarks on his new adventure next summer. He is expected to follow loosely in the path of fellow South American signing Diego Leon and will likely feature for the club at U21s level before a loan move is considered in 2027.
United's interest in Orozco comes at a time when they are aiming to become more proactive with their international scouting and explore untapped markets that represent better value for money. There is a hope that by acting quickly, United can secure potential future stars for much smaller fees than if they had to buy them from another European club further down the line.
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